Leakey, pronounced LAY-key, has been the county seat of the Real County since 1913, is an area of natural
beauty with spectacular hill country views. Sometimes referred to as "The Swiss
Alps of Texas", area elevations range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet with deep canyons cut
by the Frio and Nueces Rivers. The Frio River offers anything from whitewater rapids
to flats to swimming holes and great fishing.
John Leakey came to Texas in 1847, and he was considered one of the
first white settlers in Frio Canyon in 1853. The town of Leakey, Texas was
established in 1883 and was named in his honor. He was a successful business man,
Indian fighter, and Pioneer. Several markers are located on the courthouse grounds
to commemorate the history of Leakey and its founders, John and Nance Leakey.
If you enjoy fishing, boating, bird and wild life watching, camping,
horseback riding, cycling, swimming, tubing down the Frio River, or driving through the
winding mountain roads, Leakey, Texas is the place for you. Once you visit this
wonderful area, your family and friends will want to return as often as possible.
Frio River at spillway.
Leakey has many communities and towns nearby that you can visit
within a 30 minute drive. For airplane connections, San Antonio is only 100 miles
away or about an hour and half drive. You can fly your own aircraft to the Real
County airport. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way!
Archeological excavations in and around the Frio Canyon have found evidence of Paleo-American, Archaic, and Neo-American occupations. In the historic period, Lipan Apaches, Comanches, and Tonkawas inhabited or migrated through the area.
