Ottine is an unincorporated community located in Gonzales County in the U.S. state of Texas. The settlement lies at the intersection of State Highway 90 and Farm to Market Road 466, approximately 15 mi (24 km) west of the county seat, Gonzales, and 30 mi (48 km) east of San Antonio. Ottine is situated on the north bank of the Guadalupe River at an elevation of roughly 400 feet (122 m) above sea level.
Geography
Ottine is part of the Texas Hill Country region. The community is within the Central Time Zone (CST) and observes daylight saving time. The area is served by the ZIP code 78657 and the area code 830.
History
The name “Ottine” is believed to be derived from a variant spelling of “Ottawa,” reflecting early settlement by families of European descent. The community developed in the mid‑19th century as a rural farming locale and has remained sparsely populated. Historical records from the Texas State Historical Association note the establishment of a post office in Ottine in 1886, which operated until its discontinuation in 1910.
Demographics
As an unincorporated area, Ottine is not separately enumerated in U.S. Census Bureau data. Population estimates are therefore not available; the community is described as having a small, dispersed residential base.
Education
Public education for residents of Ottine is provided by the Gonzales Independent School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools in the nearby city of Gonzales.
Economy and Points of Interest
Ottine is near the privately owned commercial show cave known as the Cave Without a Name. The attraction offers guided tours of a natural limestone cavern and is a notable tourism site for the surrounding Hill Country area. The community’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, ranching, and tourism associated with the cave and the Guadalupe River.
Transportation
State Highway 90 provides east‑west vehicular access, while FM 466 connects Ottine to surrounding rural roads. The nearest major highway is Interstate 35, located approximately 20 mi (32 km) to the east.
References
- Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas Online: “Ottine, Texas.”
- United States Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System (GNIS): Feature ID 1380894.
Note: Information regarding population size and certain historical details is limited due to the community’s unincorporated status and the scarcity of dedicated scholarly sources.
