History abounds in the county seat of Eastland County and dates to its earliest days when the town was named for Capt. William Eastland. Surrounded by rolling valleys, lakes and woodlands, Eastland struggled with Indians and other elements early on to evolve into an oil boom population of 30,000. Eastland�s most famous resident, �Old Rip� can be seen lying in state at the courthouse. This horned toad was entombed in the courthouse cornerstone for 31 years before the building was razed for a new one. To everyone�s amazement, he was still alive! He lived only a year after that, but his story and his namesake remain �Alive & Kickin�!