This community was founded in 1891 and named for a hero of the battle of San Jacinto. The small town boomed in 1917 with the discovery of oil. Today Eastland is known for its Lake Leon, a favorite with anglers.
Eastland, however, is perhaps best known for the legend of Old Rip, a Texas Horned Toad Lizard. The Horned Toad, for whatever reason, was placed in the cornerstone of the county’s third courthouse when constructed in 1897. In 1928, that edifice was removed so a new courthouse could be built; the cornerstone was removed and inside, still alive, was Old Rip. The Horned Toad lived out the remainder of his days as a celebrity, even traveling to Washington, DC to visit President Coolidge. Today, Old Rip remains on display in a glass case at the Eastland County Courthouse.
Table of Contents
Attractions
Eastland County Museum. Exhibits here feature photographs and artifacts illustrating the history of the county. 114 S. Seaman St.
Lake Leon. Located on the Leon River, 10 miles southeast of Eastland, this 700-acre reservoir is a prime fishing location. Off RR 2214.
Law Enforcement Museum. The last public lynching in Texas took place at this jailhouse after an inmate killed a local jailer. 210 W. White St.
Outdoor Art Exhibit. A project of the Eastland Community Foundation, recreations of famous paintings adorn the walls of town businesses. The Eastland Chamber of Commerce offers maps to the exhibits.
Post Office Mural. This mural depicting Post Office history is made up of 12,000 postage stamps. 411 W. Main St.
Festivals
OCTOBER:
Ripfest Parade and Festival. Celebrating the town’s most famous reptile, this annual event features a parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and a fish fry. 100 W Main St.
Map
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Photo credit: Billy Hathorn via Wikimedia Commons
