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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.

History: Jumanos were irrigating crops from springs (Balmorhea) when Spanish explored in 1583. Mexican farmers supplied nearby Fort Davis in 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, 20.1; Black, 4.2; Hispanic, 74.6; Asian, 1.1; Other, 0.6.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 201; deaths, 107; 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).

The pool at Balmorhea State Park. Photo by Robert Plocheck.