Eastland is a city in Central Texas and the county seat of Eastland County, located about 90 miles west of Fort Worth along the Interstate 20 corridor between Fort Worth and Abilene. Its population is roughly 3,800, while the county it anchors has about 18,000 residents. Eastland County takes its name from William Mosby Eastland, a Texas Revolution figure, and the city serves as the civic, commercial, and judicial center of the surrounding rural, agricultural region. Eastland's best-known claim to fame is a piece of Texas folklore: Old Rip, a horned toad placed in the cornerstone of the county courthouse in 1897 as a test of the creature's legendary ability to hibernate. When the courthouse was rebuilt in 1928, the toad was reportedly found alive, becoming a statewide sensation. Old Rip died less than a year later, but his preserved body remains on display in the Eastland County Courthouse, drawing visitors and cementing the town's place in Texas legend. The city also holds a notable role in the state's judiciary: the Texas Eleventh Court of Appeals is located in the Eastland County Courthouse, an uncommon distinction for a town of its size. This, combined with the county seat's government offices and courts, gives Eastland an outsized civic presence and a steady stream of visitors tied to the legal system. The local economy is rooted in agriculture, retail, and services, supporting the farms and ranches of the surrounding county. For those seeking a classic Texas small-town life, Eastland offers a courthouse-centered community, an agricultural economy, and a convenient position on Interstate 20. Its appeal lies in tradition, affordability, and the distinctive folklore that makes it one of Central Texas's memorable county seats.