About Menard

Menard County was named in honor of Michael Branaman Menard. Menard founded Galveston, signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and was a member of the Texas Congress. Located on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, the characteristics of rolling hills, lush vegetation, and the San Saba River which runs through the center of the County makes a vivid contrast to the arid Edwards Plateau. With a subtropical climate and growing season averaging 220 days, 80% of the county is comprised of farm and ranch land. Beef cattle, sheep, goats, grain, pecans, and hay are a large part of the economy. One new crop that is being developed and tested are truffles.

These same conditions are what brought Spanish explorers, Missionaries, and pioneers to settle this area and makes the county rich in history and legends. Historic sites include the ruins of Presidio de San Saba, the 1852 military facility Fort McKavett, Sacred Heart Catholic Church built in 1899, and the Menard Irrigation Ditch originally built by the Spaniards in the 1700s.