Helena, Texas

This was once a thriving town on the San Antonio River, founded in 1852 by Thomas Ruckman and Louis Owings (the latter became first governor of the Arizona territory). Owings named the town after his wife, Helen.

During the Civil War, much of the Confederate cotton passed through the town. At the time, Helena even had its own Confederate post office, which issued Helena stamps. Today they're a rare find, worth several thousand dollars. Helena's existence as a thriving burg came to a halt in 1886 when the railroad bypassed the town. Soon the county seat moved to Karnes City, and the town all but rolled up the sidewalks.

Attractions:

Karnes County Museum. This museum is actually a collection of historic buildings from the area, including a post office, jail, farmhouse, and barn. A museum traces the history of Karnes County, including its busy days during the Civil War. The grounds, shaded by large mesquite trees, includes a picnic area. Located on FM 81.

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