Kerrville, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kerrville, Texas
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City
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Kerrville City Hall
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| Motto(s):
Lose Your Heart to the Hills
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Location of Kerrville, Texas
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| County | Kerr |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 22.35 sq mi (57.88 km2) |
| • Land | 21.93 sq mi (56.80 km2) |
| • Water | 0.42 sq mi (1.08 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,608 ft (490 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 24,278 |
| • Density | 1,083.22/sq mi (418.23/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
78028–78029
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| Area code(s) | 830 |
| FIPS code | 48-39040 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2411538 |
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Kerrville is a city in Texas, located in the Texas Hill Country. It is the main city and county seat of Kerr County. In 2020, about 24,278 people lived here. The city is named after James Kerr, a major from the Texas Revolution. He was a friend of Joshua Brown, who first settled the area. Brown started a camp to make wooden shingles.
Kerrville is famous for its beautiful parks along the Guadalupe River, which flows right through the city. Many youth summer camps, hunting ranches, and RV parks are also nearby. It is home to the Texas Official State Arts & Crafts Fair and the Kerrville Folk Festival. Other important places include Mooney Aviation Company, James Avery Jewelry, and Schreiner University. The Museum of Western Art shows art about the American West.
Contents
History of Kerrville
Early Days and Native Americans
People have lived in the Kerrville area for a very long time, possibly as far back as 10,000 years ago. We know this from old tools and pottery found there. Native American tribes like the Lipan Apache, Kiowa, and Comanche lived in this region.
Founding and Growth
In the late 1840s, early settlers came to make wooden shingles. Their business became a busy trading center for the middle and upper Hill Country. One of the first shingle makers was Joshua D. Brown. He led his family and others to explore the Guadalupe Valley. They settled near a bluff north of the Guadalupe River. This settlement was first called "Brownsborough."
In 1856, James Kerr, a major from the Texas Revolution, officially planned the town. It was then named "Kerrville" and became the county seat.
Mills and Businesses
In 1857, a German master-miller named Christian Dietert and Balthasar Lich built a large mill. This mill helped the town grow by providing power and protection from floods. It was the biggest mill of its kind west of New Braunfels and San Antonio.
Soon after, Charles A. Schreiner started many businesses in Kerrville. He owned freight, retail, banking, and ranching operations. His family helped build Kerrville's early success. His beautiful stone home in downtown Kerrville is now the Hill Country Museum.
Civil War and Modern Times
The Civil War slowed Kerrville's growth. But after the war, the town grew quickly again. There was a high demand for lumber, food, and skilled workers in San Antonio. The end of Native American raids and the growth of cattle, sheep, and goat ranching also helped Kerrville boom.
In 1887, the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reached Kerrville, making it easier to transport goods. The town officially became a city in 1889. Over the years, Kerrville added water service (1894), telephone service (1896), and paved streets (1912).
Kerrville's population has grown steadily throughout the 20th century. Its economy has also become more diverse. By the mid-1990s, Kerrville was known as one of America's wealthiest small towns. In 2000, the population reached over 20,000 people. Many retirees and young professionals have moved to the area.
Geography and Climate
Where is Kerrville?
Kerrville is in eastern Kerr County, Texas. It is about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of San Antonio. It is also about 52 miles (84 km) southeast of Junction. Major roads like Interstate 10 and Texas State Highway 16 pass through the city.
The city covers about 22.35 square miles (57.88 km²). Most of this is land, with a small part covered by water. The Guadalupe River flows through Kerrville, and the downtown area is on its northeastern side.
What is the Climate Like?
Kerrville has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool.
| Climate data for Kerrville, Texas (3 miles north-northeast) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1974–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 87 (31) |
97 (36) |
95 (35) |
100 (38) |
103 (39) |
107 (42) |
105 (41) |
108 (42) |
109 (43) |
97 (36) |
91 (33) |
86 (30) |
109 (43) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 59.1 (15.1) |
63.0 (17.2) |
69.5 (20.8) |
76.4 (24.7) |
82.4 (28.0) |
88.7 (31.5) |
91.6 (33.1) |
92.8 (33.8) |
86.5 (30.3) |
78.2 (25.7) |
67.4 (19.7) |
60.4 (15.8) |
76.3 (24.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 46.4 (8.0) |
50.5 (10.3) |
57.5 (14.2) |
64.4 (18.0) |
72.0 (22.2) |
78.3 (25.7) |
80.7 (27.1) |
81.1 (27.3) |
75.0 (23.9) |
65.9 (18.8) |
55.6 (13.1) |
48.0 (8.9) |
64.6 (18.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 33.8 (1.0) |
38.0 (3.3) |
45.4 (7.4) |
52.4 (11.3) |
61.6 (16.4) |
67.9 (19.9) |
69.8 (21.0) |
69.3 (20.7) |
63.4 (17.4) |
53.7 (12.1) |
43.8 (6.6) |
35.7 (2.1) |
52.9 (11.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 6 (−14) |
1 (−17) |
11 (−12) |
22 (−6) |
33 (1) |
48 (9) |
54 (12) |
54 (12) |
37 (3) |
21 (−6) |
12 (−11) |
0 (−18) |
0 (−18) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.66 (42) |
1.63 (41) |
2.35 (60) |
2.27 (58) |
4.29 (109) |
3.31 (84) |
2.09 (53) |
1.93 (49) |
3.73 (95) |
3.20 (81) |
2.16 (55) |
1.94 (49) |
30.56 (776) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.1 (0.25) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.5 (1.3) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 7.1 | 7.2 | 8.1 | 6.5 | 9.0 | 6.3 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 82.7 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
Population of Kerrville
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 156 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,044 | 569.2% | |
| 1900 | 1,423 | 36.3% | |
| 1910 | 1,843 | 29.5% | |
| 1920 | 2,353 | 27.7% | |
| 1930 | 4,546 | 93.2% | |
| 1940 | 5,572 | 22.6% | |
| 1950 | 7,691 | 38.0% | |
| 1960 | 8,901 | 15.7% | |
| 1970 | 12,672 | 42.4% | |
| 1980 | 15,276 | 20.5% | |
| 1990 | 17,384 | 13.8% | |
| 2000 | 20,425 | 17.5% | |
| 2010 | 22,347 | 9.4% | |
| 2020 | 24,278 | 8.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2020 Census Information
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 15,734 | 64.81% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 520 | 2.14% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 58 | 0.24% |
| Asian (NH) | 378 | 1.56% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 21 | 0.09% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 87 | 0.36% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 718 | 2.96% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 6,762 | 27.85% |
| Total | 24,278 |
In 2020, there were 24,278 people living in Kerrville. There were 9,627 households and 6,059 families.
Culture and Community
The Kerrville Folk Festival is a popular yearly event. It brings together folk musicians from all over the country and Canada.
Community Organizations
Kerrville has many non-profit groups that help the community. For example, Art 2 Heart is a performing arts group. There are also many churches in and around Kerrville.
Transportation in Kerrville
Major Roads
I-10
SH 16
SH 27
SH 173
Other Roads
Loop 534 (Veterans Highway)
RM 783 (Harper Road)
FM 1338 (Goat Creek Road)
FM 1341 (Golf Avenue, Cypress Creek Road)
Bicycle Routes
The Adventure Cycling Association Southern Tier Bicycle Route also passes through Kerrville.
Events in Kerrville
Kerrville hosts the yearly Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair. This fair features artists and entertainers from all over Texas. The Texas Lions Camp and Echo Hill Ranch Summer Camp are also in Kerrville.
In 2012, Kerrville hosted the Olympic trials for shooting sports. These trials helped choose athletes for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Kerrville has also been a great place to see rare sky events. On October 15, 2023, people in Kerrville saw an annular solar eclipse. Six months later, on April 8, 2024, the city celebrated a total solar eclipse with the Kerrville Eclipse Festival.
Education in Kerrville
Kerrville is served by the Kerrville Independent School District. This district has four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. There are also private schools like Our Lady of the Hills Catholic High School and Grace Academy of Kerrville.
Kerrville is home to Schreiner University. This is a private four-year university started in 1923 by Captain Charles Schreiner, a former Texas Ranger. The university is often named one of the best colleges in the Western U.S.
Schreiner University also has the Schreiner Institute. This program helps students prepare for military academies like West Point.
Notable People from Kerrville
Sports Stars
- Mike Dyal, a professional football player.
- Tony Lorick, a running back for the Baltimore Colts.
- John Mahaffey, a professional golfer who won the 1978 PGA Championship.
- Johnny Manziel, a football player and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
- Gary Phillips, an NBA player for the Boston Celtics.
- John Teltschik, a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Entertainment Figures
- Thomas Haden Church, an actor known for movies like Spider-Man 3.
- Robert Earl Keen, a famous singer and songwriter.
- Ace Reid, an artist and humorist.
- Jimmie Rodgers, known as the "Father of Country Music."
- Stacy Sutherland, a guitarist for The 13th Floor Elevators.
- Alexandra Underwood, a model and TV show contestant.
- John Ike Walton, a drummer for The 13th Floor Elevators.
Business Leaders
- James Avery, who founded James Avery Jewelers.
- Lloyd Donald Brinkman, a business owner and cattle breeder.
- Florence Butt, who started the H-E-B grocery stores.
Other Notable People
- Konni Burton, a politician who served in the Texas State Senate.
- Kinky Friedman, a musician and politician.
- Jesse Edward Grinstead, an author and newspaper editor.
- Harvey Hilderbran, a politician who served in the Texas House of Representatives.
- Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a famous Navy admiral who lived in Kerrville as a child.
- James E. Nugent, a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
- Lou Halsell Rodenberger, a Texas author.
Places to Visit in Kerrville
- Kerrville Folk Festival
- Kerrville Kroc Center
- Kerrville-Schreiner Park
- Mountaineer Baseball Field
- Museum of Western Art
- Riverside Nature Center
- Capt. Charles Schreiner Mansion
- Schreiner University
=Images for kids
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The Capt. Charles Schreiner Mansion was the home of Charles Schreiner, a famous rancher and businessman.
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Schreiner's Department Store, a main store in downtown Kerrville.
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The Arcadia Theatre was built in 1926 and later updated.
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Francisco's Restaurant in downtown Kerrville.
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Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library.
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First Presbyterian Church.
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Christmas decorations in downtown Kerrville (2016).
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Kerr Arts and Cultural Center.
See also
In Spanish: Kerrville para niños
