Population |
15,281 |
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Click to enlarge. | Map legend. |
Physical Features: Rolling plains, broken by many draws, Pecos River, Balmorhea Lake, Lake Toyah, Red Bluff Reservoir; Barrilla Mountains on the south; chocolate loam, clay, sandy, mountain wash soils.
Economy: Agriculture, tourism, food processing, government/services, gravel.
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History: Jumanos were irrigating crops from springs (Balmorhea) when Spanish explored in 1583. Mexican farmers supplied nearby Fort Davis in the mid-19th century. Anglo-Americans arrived in the 1870s. County created in 1883 from Pecos County; organized in 1884; named for Confederate Col. George R. Reeves.
Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 18.2; Black, 5.2; Hispanic, 75.1; Asian, 1.4; Other, 1.0; Two or more races, 0.9.
Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 201; deaths, 114; marriages, 84; divorces, 24.
Recreation: Replica of Judge Roy Bean store, West of Pecos museum; park with javelina, prairie dogs; scenic drives; water activities; state park; night in old Pecos, cantaloupe festival in July.
Minerals: Oil, gas, gravel.
Agriculture: Ranching, dairies, hay, cotton, cantaloupes, pecans, pistachios. Some 11,000 acres irrigated. Market value $54.2 million.
PECOS (9,394) county seat; food processing, produce shipping, government/services, prison, tourism, agribusiness; hospital; 16th of September fiesta.
Other towns include: Balmorhea (520), Lindsay (263); Orla (80), Saragosa (185), Toyah (100), Toyahvale (60).
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The pool at Balmorhea State Park. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |