TODD MISSION – George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, has died by suicide, according to officials in Grimes County. The 87-year-old was discovered at his home in Todd Mission on May 21. While authorities initially investigated the case as a suspected suicide, the official ruling was confirmed by Grimes County Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Mark Laughlin.

Coulam, known to many as “King George,” lived less than a mile from the festival grounds he developed into one of the most celebrated Renaissance fairs in the country. His death marks the end of a significant chapter for both the Todd Mission community and the broader festival circuit.

In 1974, Coulam founded the Texas Renaissance Festival, transforming 55 acres of rural land into a medieval-themed attraction that would grow into the largest of its kind in the United States. Over the course of five decades, the festival became a major cultural event, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from across the country and around the world.

The festival became a staple of Texas cultural life, known for its elaborate costumes, themed performances, artisan vendors, and immersive experience. Coulam played an active role in its growth and operations for decades, and the event became closely associated with his larger-than-life persona.

The final year of Coulam’s life was marked by legal battles and a significant shift in his longtime political role. In 2023, he entered into a $60 million agreement to sell the festival and its property to a group of investors. That deal ultimately collapsed after Coulam allegedly failed to meet certain contractual obligations and provide necessary documentation. The investors filed a lawsuit, and earlier this month, a Grimes County judge ruled in their favor—ordering the sale of Coulam’s properties and awarding them more than $23 million in damages and legal fees.

In addition to the legal judgment, Coulam lost his long-held position as mayor of Todd Mission in the most recent municipal election. He had served as the city’s only mayor since its incorporation in 1982.

Despite the turmoil of his final year, Coulam’s legacy as a creative force remains firmly rooted in the identity of Todd Mission and the Texas Renaissance Festival. His vision turned a quiet patch of forest into a nationally recognized cultural destination that brought joy and connection to countless attendees over the years.

His passing has left a visible void in the community he helped shape, and the future of the festival he built will now move forward without the man who once ruled it as “king.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available by calling or texting 9-8-8, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.