County Origins Stories & local character

The County Is Named for a Man Who Didn't Brand His Cattle

The Texas legislature created Maverick County in 1856. It was carved out of Kinney County. The county was named for Samuel A. Maverick, a San Antonio landowner and politician. He was known for not branding his cattle.

That habit gave English a new word. Today 'maverick' means an independent person who does not follow the crowd.

The county was not officially organized until September 4, 1871. Eagle Pass became the county seat. The county covers 1,287 square miles of the Rio Grande plain. The land ranges from flat to gently rolling. Common plants include mesquite, live oak, and prickly pear cactus.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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Fort Duncan Shaped Eagle Pass From the Start

Fort Duncan, established in 1849, was the military anchor that turned a river crossing into the city of Eagle Pass.

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Eagle Pass Was a Key Confederate Cotton Port

During the Civil War, Eagle Pass became an important shipment point for Confederate cotton exports after Union forces occupied Brownsville, making it one of the most active border crossings in the South.

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Eagle Pass Is a Deeply Bicultural Border City

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Place pages in Maverick County

Eagle Pass

Nearby county shelves

Zavala (5) Dimmit (7) Kinney (6) Uvalde (11) Frio (6) La Salle (6)