Collingsworth County was formed from Young and Bexar Territories, created and organized on August 21, 1876, and November 4, 1890, and was named in honor of James Collinsworth, who lived from 1806 to 1838. He was the first Chief Justice of the Republic of Texas, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was at the Battle of San Jacinto, and served as Secretary of State in Burnet's cabinet. Wellington is the county seat.