County History
Zapata County's Roots: A 1750 Spanish Land Grant
Zapata County traces its roots to a 1750 Spanish land grant on the north bank of the Rio Grande — one of the earliest permanent European settlements in what is now Texas.
In 1750, José Vázquez Borrego got a Spanish land grant. He brought 23 families from Coahuila to the north bank of the Rio Grande. Together they built the Hacienda de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores. The Handbook of Texas says this was the first Spanish settlement on this side of the river.
Zapata County became official on January 22, 1858. The county seat had a few different names over the years. It started as Habitación. Then it was Bellville. Then Carrizo. It finally became Zapata. The name honors Col. Antonio Zapata, a rancher and local leader. Ranching ran the economy for a long time. The county has been mostly Hispanic throughout its history.
Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Zapata County