Gatesville

Gatesville is the county seat of Coryell County in central Texas and serves as a governmental hub for the region. The city functions as a residential community that houses several state facilities and shapes the area's economic character.

The city was founded in 1854 on land from Richard G. Grant and took its name from Fort Gates, a military post established in 1849. This early settlement was tied to military presence and land ownership that shaped regional development.

The Coryell County Museum displays a remarkable collection of spurs that reflects the region's deep connection to ranching and western traditions. Visitors can explore the craftsmanship and techniques that shaped local identity.

The city is easy to navigate with a typical grid street layout centered around downtown. Visitors will find most amenities in the central area and should note that the region is rural with moderate traffic.

The Last Drive-In Picture Show, which opened in 1955, is one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the state and continues to show films today. This nostalgic holdover from the cinema era draws visitors seeking a rare leisure experience from earlier times.