Texas Porch
Agricultural History Stories & local character

Cotton, Cattle, and Crops: Guadalupe County's Farm Roots

Guadalupe County History & Culture

Cotton was the county's biggest cash crop for decades, peaking at nearly 39,000 bales in 1900. The arrival of the railroad in 1876–77 opened wider markets and boosted trade. Over time, farmers shifted to cattle, hogs, corn, hay, sorghum, pecans, and nursery crops.

Today the county still has active farms and ranches. If you own rural land, ag valuation through the Guadalupe Appraisal District can significantly reduce your property taxes. Contact the district at [email protected] for qualification details.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

Keep reading

More stories and useful context near Guadalupe County

A balanced next shelf: local character first, with practical context close by.

Stories & local character

German Settlers Shaped the County's Early Character

German immigrants began arriving in Guadalupe County in the mid-1840s and made up a large share of the population by the late 1800s.

Read note →

Stories & local character

How Guadalupe County Was Created

Guadalupe County was established in 1846, carved from parts of Bexar and Gonzales counties after Texas joined the United States.

Read note →

Practical

Rainbow Trout Are Stocked in the Guadalupe River in Winter

TPWD stocks rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River during cooler months, giving local anglers a rare cold-water fishing option.

Read note →

Stories & local character

Oil Was Discovered in Eastern Guadalupe County in the 1920s

Oil production began in eastern Guadalupe County during the 1920s at the Darst Creek fields, diversifying the local economy.

Read note →

Place pages in Guadalupe County

CiboloKingsburyLulingMarionNew BerlinNew Braunfels

Nearby county shelves

Comal (28) Caldwell (11) Gonzales (6) Wilson (11) Hays (39) Bexar (69)