Perdido County, Texas facts for kids

Perdido County was the name of a county in Texas that no longer exists. Its name comes from the Spanish word for "lost." This county was created in the 1820s, before the Texas Revolution. After the revolution, it was mostly forgotten due to new land rules and general confusion. People thought it ended in 1858, but it was not officially declared gone until 1871.

What Was Perdido County?

Perdido County was a part of Texas that existed for a short time. It was named "Perdido" because it truly became a "lost" place in history. This county was created when Texas was still a part of Mexico.

How Counties Work in Texas

In the United States, a county is a smaller area within a state. It helps manage local government services. Things like roads, courts, and elections are often handled at the county level. Texas has many counties today, but Perdido County was one that did not last.

The Start of Perdido County

Perdido County was established in the 1820s. This was a time of big changes in Texas. Many new settlers were arriving, and the government was trying to organize the land. Creating counties was a way to set up local rule and manage the growing population.

Why Perdido County Was Forgotten

The Texas Revolution happened in 1835-1836. This war changed Texas from being part of Mexico to an independent country. After the revolution, there was a lot of confusion. New laws were made about land, and many old records were lost or ignored. Perdido County was simply overlooked during this busy time. It became almost completely forgotten.

The Official End of the County

For many years, Perdido County was just a name that people had forgotten. Some thought it had ended in 1858. However, it was not until 1871 that the government officially said it no longer existed. This made its "lost" status official.