Leo, Cooke County, Texas

Leo is an unincorporated community in Cooke County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 20 in 2000. It is located within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

History
A post office was established in Leo in 1894 by Robert Heilman. Due to its reputation as a "rather rough place", it was given the name Leo for "lion" by a Dr. Stamper from nearby Era. The area was first settled sometime before the American Civil War, with most of them being adults from Wiley Jones' family. The community never grew since major thoroughfares bypassed it. There were 80 residents and no businesses in 1990. By 2000, it had plunged to 20.

The Liberman Broadcasting Tower Era, one of the earth's tallest structures, was named for its proximity to Era, though it is much closer to Rosston and Leo.

The Butterfield Overland Mail operated Jones' Station, which was 19 mi from Decatur, on Clear Creek, near Leo.

Geography
Leo is located on Clear Creek near the Wise County line, 20 mi southwest of Gainesville in Cooke County.

Education
Today, Leo is served by the Era Independent School District.

Notable person

 * Joe Fortenberry, basketball player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.