In Frio County, history comes to life in specific places: Built in 1884, the Frio County Jail now houses the Frio Pioneer Jail Museum. The transformation from jail to museum makes the historic building itself part of the discovery.
The former sheriff’s quarters in the museum comprise five rooms and contain artifacts and historic photographs. The building and objects and images from the past sit side by side, offering a vivid way to explore local history.
The history of Frio Town can also be traced through names and dates. The community was known as Frio City from 1871 to 1886 and served as Frio County’s first county seat from 1871 to 1883. The first burials at Frio Town Cemetery took place in 1873. The cemetery is one of the few surviving tangible reminders of the historic community and represents the county’s early pioneer history.
Another historic trace is the Old Presidio Road, which ran through Frio County and became a camino real, or royal road. It adds the development of a historic route to the story of the area’s communities.
Places and getting oriented
Interstate Highway 35 runs north to south through Moore, Pearsall, and Dilley. These three place names provide clear orientation along the county’s north–south axis.
Frio Regional Park lies southwest of Pearsall at the intersection of Interstate Highway 35 and Farm to Market Road 1581. Frio County Community Fishing Pond is south of the park on Gilliam Road. The named roads and landmarks help you distinguish the two places on a map.
Firemans Park adjoins the Frio Pioneer Jail Museum. Its play area includes slides, climbing structures, swings, and climbing frames. The history of the former jail and a play area are side by side here: two different aspects of local recreation and visitor attractions.
River landscapes and festivals throughout the year
The Frio River flows southeast through Frio County. The county consists of flat to gently rolling plains. Predominant plants include hickory, oaks, brush, mesquite, huisache, prickly pear cacti, and grasses. The river’s direction, the terrain, and the plant life offer several specific ways to get to know Frio County’s landscape.
Wildlife is also part of the county’s character: Frio County has diverse wildlife and popular hunting areas. For those interested in nature and hunting, this offers another aspect of the region beyond its historic places.
Recurring events include the Potato Festival, held every June. The Frio Pioneer Jail Museum also hosts Pioneer Day each year at the old jail and the relocated Frio Town School. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the specific event date in advance.
Another place to get oriented is Bigfoot: The community lies at the intersection of Farm Roads 462 and 472. The Bigfoot Wallace Museum is located in the community. Along with the historic sites in Pearsall and Frio Town, it broadens the picture of the county’s historic places.
Discover more destinations: Dilley, El Paso, Moore, Jeff Davis, Hardin County, Comal, Hemphill County, Fannin County.
For the main travel overview: Texas.
