Get To Know Cuero: The Turkey Capital of the World

Cuero’s story begins when it was founded in 1873, an unruly place until the arrival of Indianola residents following the devastating hurricanes of 1875 and 1886. Many Indianola homes and businesses were disassembled and moved inland to Cuero. Cuero was a bustling city by the turn of the century. Much of the beautiful architecture from that era still remains. Over 50 buildings and homes, most notably the DeWitt County Courthouse, are registered on the state and national registers of historic places. Driving tours of historic structures and unique murals sprinkled throughout local businesses are available at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center.

Photo: Flickr/Dana Smith

Visitors can learn about the history of our region by visiting our four museums.  The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, the Cuero Heritage Museum, the DeWitt County Historical Museum, and the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas. Our DeWitt County Courthouse is another historical treasure that you will want to visit.

Photo: Courtesy of Cuero Chamber of Commerce Agriculture & Visitor’s Center

Cuero is a community full of annual events. Beginning in the spring, Cuero and DeWitt County celebrate the natural beauty of Texas wildflowers.  Over 1,000 different flora species have been cataloged in the county. Each April, color-coded route maps that help visitors find the best views of wildflowers are available at the Wildflower Headquarters located at the Cuero Chamber of Commerce Agriculture & Visitor’s Center located at 210 East Main Street. In July, the Annual Fourth of July Celebration, held at the Cuero Park Pavilion and sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, is a wholesome community-wide event filled with old-fashioned booths and activities such as a dunking booth, watermelon seed spitting contest and hula hoop contests to keep everyone – no matter what their age-busy and entertained.  End your evening with the highlight of the day, a beautiful fireworks display held at dusk at the City Park.

Photo: Courtesy of Cuero Chamber of Commerce Agriculture & Visitor’s Center

Cuero’s major festival is the Turkeyfest Celebration. Held the second full weekend of October, it celebrates Cuero’s designation as “Turkey Capital of the World” when many of the farmers produced turkeys over fifty years ago.  Diverse entertainment includes a giant parade, arts and crafts booths, food booths, carnival, street dances, and fun for the whole family.

Photo: Courtesy of Cuero Chamber of Commerce Agriculture & Visitor’s Center

During the holidays bring your family and friends and experience Cuero’s Christmas in the Park lighted driving tour.  The mile-long tour includes over 150 hand-painted and lighted Christmas displays, a twinkling trail of snowflakes, gingerbread houses, and animated silhouette scenes all sponsored by local businesses, schools, community organizations and individuals of Cuero.  “Christmas in the Park” begins the fourth Monday of November and continues throughout the holiday season with Thursday nights designated as free hot chocolate nights. The Park is located on Highway 87 South in Cuero’s Municipal Park.

Photo: Flickr/Nicolas Henderson

The Guadalupe River provides activities for the avid river fisherman or the experienced river paddler. An annual 45-mile canoe race is held in Cuero. This race is the preliminary race of the Texas Water Safari, a 260-mile canoe race is held in June and runs from San Marcos to Seadrift, Texas. As a birding bonus, Cuero is site #28 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail; maps are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.

Photo: Flickr/Dana Smith

While you are in Cuero you will want to make a stop at our many specialty boutiques and restaurants. Many are located in our Main Street district and nearby locations surrounding Main Street.

Come visit DeWitt County with its rolling hills and prairies. Its natural beauty makes it one of the gems of South Texas anytime of the year. Come to enjoy Cuero, but stay to enjoy the stories.

For more information call 361-275-2112 or visit www.cuero.org.