History of Dryer, Gonzales County: From Prosperity to Decline

Published: 1952

Updated: December 1, 1994

Dryer (Dreyer), on Farm Road 443 in eastern Gonzales County, was named for Henry Dryer, one of a group of investors who in 1891 bought 6,568 acres from L. M. Kokernot and divided it into small farm lots. Dryer acquired a post office in 1897, but it closed in 1906. By 1936 the community had three businesses, two churches, and a school and was surrounded by scattered farms. In 1940 the settlement had 100 inhabitants and five businesses. Thereafter, it saw a period of sharp decline; by 1968 the population was forty. In 1988 and 1990 the community had twenty residents, two businesses, and a church.

Places:

Communities

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Stephen L. Hardin, “Dryer, TX,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed April 11, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/dryer-tx.

TID: HND47

Original Publication Date:: 1952
Most Recent Revision Date:: December 1, 1994

Keelboat reaches "raft on the Colorado"

188 years ago today
Majestic Theatre opens in Dallas

105 years ago today
Leading Texas woman made first secretary of HEW

73 years ago today

Shop & Support:

Join TSHA

Support the preservation and sharing of Texas history. Join TSHA today and help keep these valuable historical records free for everyone—while supporting student research, educator resources, and member access to our digital library and publications.

Choose a Membership Level →

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

“

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

History of Dryer, Gonzales County: From Prosperity to Decline

Is history important to you?

Shop & Support:

Join TSHA

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Find Events

Get Involved

Learn More

Share this entry on social media:

Is history important to you?

Shop & Support:

Join TSHA ×

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Find Events

Get Involved

Learn More

Join TSHA