Cuero (promounced, KWER-o) has an unusual name derivation: A local creek was notorious for trapping cattle in bogs, but skinners salvaged the hides. The Indian word for rawhides translated to Spanish as cuero. When the town was founded in 1872, the town took the name of the creek. Once a round-up point for a leg of the Chisholm Trail, it was a true "wild west" outpost where women and children were forbidden after dark.
Today, as the seat of DeWitt County, Cuero is a bountiful agricultural area among state leaders in cattle and calves, as well as, pecans, peaches, apples, and fresh vegetables, and substantial natural gas production. In 1999, the Texas State Legislature designated DeWitt County as the "Wildflower Capital of Texas," due to the more than 100 different species of wildflowers present.
Rich with small-town history, 50 structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three historic districts, two residential and one commercial, encompass Main Street. The 1896 courthouse is among the most handsome in Texas.
Swimming, picnicking, fishing, golf and a basketball pavilion are designed in a 200-acre newly updated municipal park. Annual events include the Shakespeare-in-the-Country production in June, the annual 4th of July celebration, and the Turkeyfest Celebration every October.
Discover What’s Nearby
Cuero Heritage Museum
Established in 1993, the museum houses the new permanent exhibit "Cuero Talks Turkey," which features news articles, pictures and memorabilia of the first five Turkey Trots dating from 1912-1927 and from more than 30 years of Turkeyfest Celebrations. The Royalty Room displays costumes of Sultans and Sultanas who reigned over past Turkey Trots. The Museum is also home to the "WWII Brayton Flying Field" exhibit, a training school for pilots during 1941-1945. The third exhibit is the "Cattle and Cowhands" exhibit, a tribute to the working cowhand past and present.
DeWitt County Historical Museum
Housed in a restored 1886 home, built partly with timbers salvaged from ruins of the original home destroyed in the old seaport town of Indianola by the storm of 1886. Features period furnishings, documents, clothing, ranch and home articles; also a restored log cabin. Special new exhibits each month. The museum is open daily during the month of April, except Easter Sunday, for Wildflower Month.
Historic Federal Building of Cuero
Built in 1915, this historical structure housed the post office as well as other federal offices. Home to the Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and the Cuero Heritage Museum, the museum features city memorabilia.
Historic Homes
Many homes were built in the 1880s and 1890s and include a variety of architectural features-Classical Revival detailing, Tudor Revival detailing, Queen Anne-style, and "T" plans. Over 60 homes display a Texas Historical Commission marker. Call the Chamber of Commerce for tour information.
Cuero Park Municipal Golf Course
Cuero Park Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole regulation length golf course in Cuero, Texas. This medium-length layout will reward good shots and provide a fun golf outing for everyone. Online tee times may be available at Cuero Park Municipal Golf Course or at nearby golf courses, usually offered at a discount from the normal rate.
Cuero is home to many wildflower attractions, (click here for more information) including the "Wildflower Trail", held in April each year.
Another exciting event is the annual Cuero is home to many "Turkeyfest", (click here for more information), held in October each year. Whatever reason you have to visit our city, we look forward to seeing you soon.