Mitchell County was settled after Indians left Texas in 1875. It was one of 128 counties created on Aug. 21, 1876, from Bexar Territory, which covered West Texas to the Panhandle and El Paso. The county was named for Mitchell brothers Asa and Eli, veterans of the Texas War for Independence. It was organized on Jan. 10, 1881, when the railroad came, making the county seat, Colorado City, West Texas' "Mother City" and first boom town. It became a center of oil, sheep, and cattle ranching. Historic sites include Comanche Indian Village and Seven Wells, the last buffalo watering hole. Annual events include the Colorado City Frontier Roundup and Tumbleweed Festival.