Region: Prairies and Lakes
(KWER-o) An unusual name derivation: A local creek was notorious for trapping cattle in bogs, but skinners salvaged the hides. Indian word for rawhides translated to Spanish as cuero. When town was founded in 1872, town took name of the creek.
Once a round-up point for a leg of the Chisholm Trail, a true "Wild West" outpost where women and children were forbidden to go outside after dark. Today, seat of DeWitt County, a bountiful agricultural area among state leaders in cattle and calves; also pecans, peaches and fresh vegetables; substantial natural gas production.
In 1999, the Texas State Legislature designated DeWitt County as the "Wildflower Capital of Texas," due to the more than 1,000 different species of wildflowers present. April is designated as "Wildflower Month" with the only live wildflower specimen exhibit in Texas at the DeWitt County Historical Museum.
Cuero welcomes visitors to its 50 historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places and three historic districts—two residential and one commercial— encompassing Main Street. The 1896 courthouse is among most handsome in Texas. Walking trails, swimming, picnicking, fishing, golf and a basketball pavilion in 200-acre recently updated municipal park. Annual events include the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration; the Turkeyfest Celebration every Oct.; and Christmas in the Park, a self-guided tour along breathtaking lighted displays, November–December.
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. More than 60 homes display a Texas Historical Commission marker. Call the Chamber of Commerce for tour information.