Buchel County: The Lost County of Texas
The map of Texas is vast and ever-changing, but few stories are as curious as that of Buchel County. Once a recognized political entity in the late 19th century, this short-lived county serves as a fascinating example of the administrative shifts that occurred during the early development of the American West.
The Creation and Early Years
The story of Buchel County began on March 15, 1887, when the Texas legislature passed a law to divide Presidio County into four separate entities: Presidio, Jeff Davis, Foley, and Buchel. The new county was named in honor of Augustus Buchel, a German soldier and war hero.
Geographically, Buchel County occupied the northeast corner of what is known today as Brewster County. The town of Marathon was designated as the county seat, serving as the administrative heart of the region.
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Population and Demographics
During its brief existence, the county maintained a small but concentrated population. According to the 1890 Census, Buchel County had 298 residents, the majority of whom resided in Marathon.
The Path to Abolition
The administrative independence of Buchel County was short-lived. In 1889, both Buchel and the neighboring Foley County were attached to the original Brewster County for the purpose of surveying (the process of precisely measuring and mapping land boundaries).
This temporary arrangement became permanent in 1897, when the Texas legislature officially abolished both Buchel and Foley counties. Their territories were fully absorbed into Brewster County, effectively erasing Buchel from the official map of Texas.
Key Facts
- Established: March 15, 1887.
- Abolished: 1897.
- County Seat: Marathon, Texas.
- Namesake: Augustus Buchel, a German war hero.
- Peak Population: 298 residents (1890 Census).
- Current Location: Now part of Brewster County.
Attempts to Reestablish the County
Despite its official dissolution, the idea of Buchel County did not vanish entirely. In the early twentieth century, local movements emerged to bring the county back into existence.
As early as 1909, local newspapers reported a movement to re-establish the county and once again designate Marathon as the county seat. This sentiment culminated in 1915 with the introduction of SB 187, a bill submitted to the 34th Texas Legislature.
SB 187 sought to carve Buchel County back out of the territory of Brewster County. While reports at the time indicated that the bill had the support of representatives and faced little expected opposition, no final text was ever published as law. This suggests that the bill failed to pass, leaving Buchel County as a permanent part of Texas history rather than its current geography.
| Event | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative Creation | 1887 | Divided from Presidio County |
| Census Recording | 1890 | 298 residents reported |
| Surveying Attachment | 1889 | Attached to Brewster County |
| Official Abolition | 1897 | Absorbed by Brewster County |
| Legislative Attempt (SB 187) | 1915 | Failed to become law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Buchel County named after?
The county was named after Augustus Buchel, who was a German soldier and war hero.
Where is the former Buchel County located today?
The territory that once made up Buchel County is now located in the northeast corner of Brewster County, Texas.
What town served as the county seat of Buchel County?
The town of Marathon served as the county seat.
Why was Buchel County abolished?
While the source does not specify the exact political reason for the abolition, it notes that the county had been attached to Brewster County for surveying purposes in 1889 before being officially absorbed in 1897.
Was there ever a successful attempt to bring the county back?
No. Although there was a movement in 1909 and a legislative bill (SB 187) in 1915, the bill never became law, and the county was not re-established.