Founded in 1873 by Gustav Schleicher, surveyor for the Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway, Cuero was the midpoint on the line from the port at Indianola to San Antonio. It became the county seat of DeWitt County in 1876. The layout of the town reflects its railroad origins, for here the courthouse stands several blocks from the commercial district that lines the railroad tracks. Despite the town's Spanish name, many of its early settlers were of German extraction, as evidenced by the no longer extant Turnverein,or athletic hall, and German language newspaper Deutsche Rundschau.The town's economy is based on a poultry and livestock industry, with the most celebrated annual event being the Turkey Trot. Initiated in 1912, the event involves a stampede of the birds through the town.
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