Introduction to Kenedy County
Kenedy County Texas was created in 1921 from parts of Hidalgo and Willacy counties and is named for Mifflin Kenedy, an early area rancher and steamboat operator.
Kenedy County Texas, in some ways is one of the least remarkable counties in the state. There is only one real town, the county seat Sarita. The county is on the gulf coast, yet, there are no coastal communities. Don’t remember even seeing a gas station. The only excitement along US 77 is the immigration checkpoint, and one only really gets excited heading north. Kenedy is one of the least populated counties per square mile in the entire state of Texas, as well as one of the least populated counties in the United States.
In other ways, Kenedy County is quite remarkable. No population and wide open spaces is a magnet for wildlife. Kenedy County is the home of another of the more famous ranches in Texas, the Kenedy Ranch. The town of Sarita is ranch headquarters, as well as the county seat.
Today, King Ranch occupies most of the available land in Kenedy County. Part of a National Park, Padre Island National Seashore, is within the county boundary.
Pictures of the older County Courthouses
There have never been any other courthouses within Kenedy County.
Pictures of the 1917 Kenedy County Courthouse
The current Kenedy County Courthouse is the only courthouse ever built within the county. Erected in 1917, and located in Sarita, Texas. It was, originally, the Willacy County Courthouse. When Kenedy County was organized in 1921, Willacy County moved its county seat to Raymondville and the Sarita Courthouse became the Kenedy County Courthouse. I was unable to find a cornerstone, placque or anything physical on the building to confirm construction year.
Other Kenedy County Attractions
- Kenedy Ranch Museum
Our List of additional attractions to see
The only thing I can think of, that isn’t already listed, is the Centennial Marker. It is supposed to be mounted 3 miles north of Sarita, however, I just haven’t been able to locate it.
- Kenedy County Centennial Marker
If anyone knows of anything else … please leave us a comment and we’d love to see it, next time we go out!!
Links
Kenedy County Website
Texas State Historical Association
Wikipedia Article