Encinal

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Promotion: Nearby Map of La Salle County

Encinal is on Interstate Highway 35 twenty-seven miles south of Cotulla in southwestern La Salle County. Railroad officials reportedly named the spot the Spanish word for "oak grove." Before the International-Great Northern Railroad extended its tracks into the area, a small community called Ancaster already existed near, and possibly on, the site of present Encinal. It has been suggested that Encinal began as a settlement 1½ miles from the present site, which was moved to the railroad tracks when they were laid down in the early 1880s. An 1882 railroad map shows only a stop named Burro in the general location of present Encinal. In 1883, when a post office was granted under the name of Encinal, there were probably no more than two or three frame buildings on the site. But the town developed rather rapidly as a shipping center for sheep and cattle. In 1886 its first school was established, and by 1890 Encinal reportedly had a population of 900 and several businesses, including three general stores and a saloon. By 1896 the community had a school for sixty-one students, four general stores, the saloon, and an insurance agent.

Many of the early residents were of Mexican descent. A Catholic church was built in 1893. In 1908 a Presbyterian church was built; and by that year the town had two public schools, which enrolled 158 students. In 1931 the town had three public schools with a total of 363 students. In 1933 Encinal reported 800 residents and thirteen businesses; similar statistics were reported through the mid-1940s.

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John Leffler | © TSHA

Handbook of Texas Logo

Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.

Belongs to

Encinal is part of or belongs to the following places:

Currently Exists

Yes

Place type

Encinal is classified as a Town

Associated Names

  • (Ancaster)
  • (Machos)

Location

Latitude: 28.04069030
Longitude: -99.35505900

Has Post Office

Yes

Is Incorporated

Yes

Population Count, 2021 View more »

539