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| History
in a Pecan Shell
It seems pretty far north for property related to
the King Ranch, but indeed, it was Mifflin Kenedy who bought this land
in 1886 in anticipation of the soon-to-arrive San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad.
It was, of course, named after him. Kenedy is acknowledged as the “chief benefactor”
of the SAAP railroad. The name Kenedy Junction was applied in June of 1887
but the name was shortened just three months later.
Kenedy Junction had
a Y, splitting railroad traffic to either Houston
or Corpus Christi.
A larger depot was built which included a railroad hotel – officially known as
the Railroad Hotel. The establishment also included a restaurant for the convenience
of travelers.
As Kenedy waxed, nearby Daileyville waned and the post
office of the shrinking town was transferred to Kenedy – operating temporarily
under the roof of the Railroad Hotel.
German farmers from Fayette
County transmigrated into the new territory, and W. E. Thulemeyer, is credited
with being the agent. It was Thulemeyer who built the first cotton gin in 1891.
An independent school district was organized in the 1890s and in 1908 a three-story
school was constructed.
Kenedy incorporated in 1910 with a population
of 1,147. Kenedy was one of several towns in Texas
to be known as “Six-shooter Junction.” The reputation appears to have come from
salon patrons who saluted passing trains – or showed off their wealth by wasting
ammunition.
Hot mineral water was conveniently discovered near the railroad
station and hotel in 1915 which gave the town an economic boost, and the town
also held claim to one of the largest cotton compresses in Texas.
The Kenedy Alien Detention Camp, opened during the war, holding Germans,
Italians, and Japanese diplomats and their dependants from South American counties.
The town of
Kenedy claims the title of "Flax capital of Texas." Since the general public
isn’t quite sure of exactly what flax is – the annual Flax Festival was discontinued.
The less confusing Blue Bonnet Days became the annual event – and is held
each April.
Kenedy now plays host to the John Connally Unit of the Texas
Department of Corrections. |
Kenedy,
Texas Vintage & Contemporary Images | 
| "Entering
the city on 181 from the south, this is the beginning of hilly country."
- Ken Rudine,
August 2007. More Grain
Elevators |
| "The
Karnes County Airport not only services aircraft, but is known across Texas as
'the place' to have your aircraft painted." - Ken
Rudine, August 2007 | |
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