Schleicher County, Texas

Schleicher County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,461. Its county seat is Eldorado. The county was created in 1887 and organized in 1901. It is named for Gustav Schleicher, a German immigrant who became a surveyor and politician.Schleicher County was home to the YFZ Ranch, the past headquarters of the FLDS movement headed by Warren Jeffs.History8000 B.C. By estimation, first inhabitants probably Jumano Indians. Later inhabitants are Lipan Apache and Comanche.1632 Fray Juan de Salas and Father Juan de Ortega do missionary work among the Jumanos.1808 Soldier Francisco Amangual leads an expedition across the area.1882 Christopher Colombus Doty becomes the first permanent citizen of Schleicher County.1887, April - The Texas legislature establishes Schleicher County from Crockett County and named it in honor of Gustav Schleicher.1890 Population 155, of whom 134 were listed as white, four black, and 17 as American Indian.1894 County’s first public school opens at Verand, later moved to Eldorado.1895 W. B. Silliman founds Eldorado community and names it after the mythical city. In order to populate it, he offers free town lots to residents of nearby Verand.1930 The Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway Company resumes work on a previous railroad, making access possible to San Angelo and Sonora.1941, February 27 - Grand opening of West Texas Woolen Mills plant in Eldorado, with a parade and BBQ lunch. 5000 people are in attendance. Governor "Pappy" W. Lee O'Daniel is the guest speaker.1950’s Oilfield discoveries on school lands enable Schleicher County to build new library and gymnasium facilities for its students.