Region: Gulf Coast
Located in the Wild Horse Desert, just west of the Gulf of Mexico, and the birthplace of the American ranching industry. Originated as a town along the railroad built by the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway Company. Henrietta King, of the famous King Ranch, donated land for the railway. On July 4, 1904, the first passenger train pulled through town. Kingsville became Kleberg County seat in 1913.
Today, the city is a birding and wildlife hotspot, with more than one million acres of habitat. Kingsville is home to the King Ranch, Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and agricultural and ranching industries.
Visitors find an array of boutiques and antique shops nestled in downtown historic buildings featuring western wear, leather goods, crafts, jewelry, home-baked goods, gift shops and restaurants. To receive a calendar of festivals and events, call 800/333-5032 or visit www.kingsvilletexas.com.