Cities and Towns in Gonzales County, Texas
Founded in 1836, Gonzales County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Gonzales County was one of the original 23 counties. The city of Gonzales is the county seat. With FIPS code of 177, Gonzales County has a population of 19,641 and area of 1,068 square miles (2,766 km²).
List of all cities in Gonzales County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bebe, TX | 78614 | 830 |
| Belmont, TX | 78604 | 830 |
| Cost, TX | 78614 | 830 |
| Dilworth, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Gonzales, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Hamon, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Harwood, TX | 78632 | 830 |
| Leesville, TX | 78122 | 830 |
| Maurin, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Monthalia, TX | 78614 | 830 |
| Needa, TX | 78614 | 830 |
| Nickel, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Nixon, TX | 78140 | 830 |
| Oak Forest, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Ottine, TX | 78658 | 830 |
| Sandy Fork, TX | 78632 | 830 |
| Saturn, TX | 78632 | 830 |
| Smiley, TX | 78159 | 830 |
| Summerville, TX | 78629 | 830 |
| Thompsonville, TX | 78959 | 512/737 |
| Waelder, TX | 78959 | 512/737 |
| Wrightsboro, TX | 78677 | 830 |
Major Cities and Towns in Gonzales County, Texas
1. Gonzales, Texas
Location and History
Gonzales, the county seat of Gonzales County, is located in the heart of South Central Texas, about 100 miles east of San Antonio. The city is famously known as the “Cradle of Texas Independence,” as it played a key role in the Texas Revolution. Founded in 1825, Gonzales was originally a Spanish settlement and quickly became an important center for trade and agriculture. The city’s historical significance skyrocketed in 1835 during the Texas Revolution, when the Texian rebels, led by Stephen F. Austin, fought Mexican forces in the Battle of Gonzales. The battle is notable for the phrase “Come and take it,” referring to a cannon that the Mexicans attempted to reclaim from the settlers, marking the first military engagement of the revolution. Over the years, Gonzales developed into a prosperous agricultural town, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and oil exploration playing key roles in its economy. Today, it is a blend of historic preservation and modern industry, and it serves as an agricultural hub in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gonzales is served by the Gonzales Independent School District, which includes Gonzales High School and Gonzales Junior High School. The school district is known for its strong community involvement and academic performance. Gonzales has numerous landmarks of historical significance, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the Texas Revolution. Another key landmark is the Presidio La Bahía, an early Spanish fort that was later involved in the defense of Texas during its struggle for independence. The “Come and Take It” monument, located in the heart of the city, commemorates the famous battle. Additionally, the town celebrates its history with the annual Come and Take It Festival, a large celebration of its revolutionary past. The city is also home to the Gonzales County Courthouse, an architectural gem built in 1896, and the vibrant, historic downtown area, which features charming Victorian-era buildings.
City Details:
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Population: 7,500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 78629
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.5073° N, 97.4522° W
2. Waelder, Texas
Location and History
Waelder is located in the eastern part of Gonzales County, about 20 miles southeast of the county seat, Gonzales. The town’s name is derived from the German word “Waelder,” meaning “forest,” reflecting the area’s early German settlers. Waelder was established in the late 19th century and served as a stop along the railroad, which contributed to its initial growth. Over the years, the economy of Waelder was driven by agriculture, particularly cotton, and livestock. The town was incorporated in 1912 and experienced moderate growth throughout the 20th century. Despite its small size, Waelder has maintained its rural charm and close-knit community atmosphere. While the town’s population has remained relatively steady, Waelder continues to serve as a central hub for agricultural activities in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waelder is served by the Waelder Independent School District, which includes Waelder High School. The district is focused on providing a well-rounded education and offering extracurricular activities for students. In terms of landmarks, Waelder has a number of small, historically significant buildings, including the Waelder Depot, a railroad station that dates back to the town’s founding era. The town also celebrates its German heritage with annual events, including Oktoberfest, which showcases traditional food, music, and culture. The surrounding area is known for its natural beauty, including nearby rivers and forests, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and bird watching. Waelder also benefits from being located near the Guadalupe River, which offers additional recreational options.
City Details:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 78959
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.4681° N, 97.6189° W
3. Nixon, Texas
Location and History
Nixon, located in the southwestern part of Gonzales County, is a small town situated about 30 miles southwest of the city of Gonzales. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was originally a railroad stop. Nixon became an important center for trade and agriculture, particularly cotton, corn, and cattle, which formed the backbone of the town’s economy. Nixon was named after the Nixon family, early settlers in the area. As the town grew, it developed into a small agricultural community, and it was officially incorporated in 1920. Nixon continued to prosper through the 20th century, bolstered by the development of nearby oil fields and its proximity to larger cities like San Antonio and Houston. Today, Nixon is a quiet town with a focus on agriculture and serves as a base for families working in the surrounding ranches and farms.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nixon is served by the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District, which includes Nixon-Smiley High School and Nixon-Smiley Junior High School. The district offers a variety of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in Nixon include the historic Nixon Courthouse, a structure that reflects the small-town charm of early 20th-century architecture. Another key site is the Nixon Memorial Park, a local gathering place that features picnic areas, sports fields, and a historical marker commemorating the town’s founding. Nixon also celebrates its agricultural roots with events like the Nixon FFA (Future Farmers of America) show, which highlights local farming and ranching activities. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hunting and fishing, particularly along the nearby San Antonio River.
City Details:
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 2,500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 78140
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.3662° N, 97.6705° W
4. Smiley, Texas
Location and History
Smiley is a small town located in the southeastern part of Gonzales County, approximately 25 miles east of the county seat, Gonzales. The town was founded in the early 1900s and named after the Smiley family, who were among the area’s early settlers. Like many small towns in Texas, Smiley’s economy was originally based on agriculture, particularly cotton farming and cattle ranching. The town grew as a result of its location along the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway, which facilitated trade and travel in the region. Though the town’s population has remained small, it has maintained its agricultural character, and the surrounding area continues to be predominantly rural. Smiley serves as a quiet residential community with a rich history tied to farming and the railroad.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Smiley is served by the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District, which also serves the nearby town of Nixon. The school district offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities for students. There are few commercial landmarks in Smiley, but the town is home to the historic Smiley Cemetery, which serves as a reminder of the community’s early settlers. The surrounding area is known for its open ranching land, and local residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Smiley is also near the San Antonio River, providing opportunities for recreational activities. The town’s rural atmosphere and proximity to larger cities make it a peaceful place to live for those seeking a slower pace of life.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 300
- Zip Codes: 78159
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.2213° N, 97.5352° W
5. Cost, Texas
Location and History
Cost is a very small unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Gonzales County, about 12 miles north of Gonzales. It was established in the late 19th century, during the railroad expansion through Texas. Like many small communities in rural Texas, Cost developed around farming and ranching, with a particular emphasis on cotton, corn, and cattle. The town was named after the Cost family, one of the prominent local families in the area at the time. Over the years, Cost has remained a small, peaceful community with a focus on agriculture and ranching. The town’s population has remained steady, and while it has not grown significantly, it has retained its rural character. Today, Cost serves as a small residential area surrounded by agricultural land.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cost is part of the Gonzales Independent School District, with students attending schools in Gonzales. Because of its small size, Cost does not have its own schools or commercial centers. However, the surrounding area is home to historic sites such as the Cost Cemetery, which serves as a historical marker for the area’s early settlers. The town’s location amidst the rural farmland provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and bird watching. The natural environment, with its scenic rivers and open fields, is one of Cost’s defining features. The nearby San Marcos River offers additional recreational options for residents and visitors alike.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: Fewer than 100
- Zip Codes: 78629 (shared with Gonzales)
- Latitude and Longitude: 29.5040° N, 97.3495° W
