General--
Seat of Jim Wells County. Founded 1888 as depot on the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railway, first called Bandana (the source of the "Fiesta Bandana" Festival still celebrated yearly).  It was renamed Kleberq, only to be later renamed again after a daughter of one of the founders of the famed King Ranch. Town is dividing point between brush country to the west and coastal plains to the east; also between the border region and rest of Texas. It was discovered in 1930's, and town became hub of petroleum business while maintaining traditional farming and livestock industries. Beefmaster cattle breed was developed here.

Town's life style is outdoor oriented. Ten city parks offer sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and 18 hole municipal golf course. Outdoor band concerts on summer evenings. Hunters seek white-tailed deer, javelina, wild turkey, quail, and dove.

Lakes -
Alice and Corpus Christi.

South Texas Museum -
Small museum focuses on distinctive history and traditions of this South Texas region. Exhibits trace habitation from American Indian to 20th Century farm, ranch, railroad, ,and oil activities, with emphasis on pioneer ranch and household artifacts. Includes mounted wildlife and livestock specimens. Open Tues. - Fri., 1 - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 am - 2 p.m.; at 66 S. Wright St. (512)668-8891.