Devine Texas History

Devine Tx History

Devine, Texas was established in 1881 as a result of the rail extension of the International-Great Northern Railroad from San Antonio to Laredo. The town was named after Judge Thomas Jefferson Devine from San Antonio, who was a jurist and attorney for the railroad. Devine was incorporated in 1904, and boasted a population of 504 at that time. The population doubled to 1,000 when irrigation became possible in 1915 through the Medina Irrigation Company. The town's principal crop also shifted from cotton to vegetables, corn and small grains.

The town's close proximity to San Antonio has made it a choice location for those wishing to live near the city, but who still want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that a rural community can bring. In 1988, the population was 4,016. Devine has a municipal airport, public library, golf course, public swimming pool, and two nursing homes.

In 1990, the Devine ISD had an enrollment of 1,400 students, and Devine had a total population of 3,928.

Bibliography: Greater Devine Area Chamber of Commerce, Welcome to Devine, Texas (Devine, 1982-83)