Zapata County

Zapata County is an administrative region in southern Texas that spans semi-arid terrain and water resources, including the Falcon International Reservoir. The area contains multiple settlements, none with city status, with all designated as census-designated places.

The region was established in 1858 and named after Colonel José Antonio de Zapata, a local rancher. He was an influential figure in resistance movements of his time.

The community is shaped by Spanish-speaking traditions visible in local celebrations, cooking styles, and gatherings throughout the year. These practices form the foundation of how people connect with one another in daily life.

The area is managed by local school authorities and the county commissioners court oversees public services. Visitors should know that there are no major urban centers, only scattered smaller settlements.

All settlements in the area are statistical places rather than incorporated cities, which sets it apart from most other counties. The administrative center of Zapata itself operates as such a statistical place rather than a traditional city.

Location: Texas

Inception: January 22, 1858

Capital city: Zapata

Shares border with: Starr County, Jim Hogg County, Webb County

Website: http://co.zapata.tx.us

GPS coordinates: 27.00000,-99.18000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:31