Cotulla City Park
Cotulla, La Salle County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Polish immigrant Joseph Cotulla (1844-1923) migrated to present-day La Salle County in 1865. The town of Cotulla, founded in 1882, became the county seat in 1883, and Joseph donated land for the courthouse and city park. In its early years the park served as a campsite for travelers and ranchers. At the turn of the century a bandstand was built, and concerts and lectures were held at the park. A miniature golf course and playground equipment were added in the 1930s. The site of many cultural and social events, Cotulla City Park has been a center of community life.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Polish immigrant Joseph Cotulla came to present-day La Salle County in 1865, and when the town that bears his name was founded in 1882 he donated land for both the courthouse and this city park. In its early years the park served as a campsite for travelers and ranchers, then gained a bandstand at the turn of the century for concerts and lectures, and a miniature golf course and playground in the 1930s. It has remained a gathering place at the heart of community life ever since.
Why it matters
The park is a reminder of how immigrant founders shaped young Western towns, setting aside common ground that grew alongside the community from trail camp to civic centerpiece.
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Related people
- · Joseph Cotulla
Themes & tags
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