thumb|right|[[FLDS Temple at the YFZ Ranch in Schleicher County]]
thumb|200px|right|Schleicher County Public Library in Eldorado
Schleicher County is a county located on the Edwards Plateau in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 census, its population was 2,451. Its county seat is Eldorado. The county was created in 1887 and organized in 1901. It is named for Gustav Schleicher, a German immigrant who became a surveyor and politician.
History
Around 8000 BC, the first inhabitants in the area were probably Jumano Indians. Later inhabitants were Lipan Apaches and Comanches. In 1632, Fray Juan de Salas and Father Juan de Ortega did missionary work among the Jumanos. Soldier Francisco Amangual led an expedition across the area in 1808. In 1882, Christopher Columbus Doty became the first permanent citizen of Schleicher County.
The Texas Legislature established Schleicher County in April 1887 from Crockett County, and named it in honor of Gustav Schleicher.
In 1930, the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway Company resumed work on a previous railroad, making access possible to San Angelo and Sonora.
Oilfield discoveries on school lands in the 1950s enabled Schleicher County to build new library and gymnasium facilities for its students.
Major highways
- 25px U.S. Highway 190
- 25px U.S. Highway 277
Adjacent counties
- Tom Green County (north)
- Menard County (east)
- Sutton County (south)
- Crockett County (west)
- Irion County (northwest)
- Kimble County (southeast)