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Physical Features: Picturesque Edwards Plateau area with hills, broken by spring-fed streams.

Economy: Tourism, government/services, agriculture, wine and specialty foods, hunting leases.

History: German settlement founded in 1846 in heart of Comanche country. County created in 1848 from Bexar, Travis counties, organized the same year; named for Texas Ranger Capt. R.A. Gillespie. Birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 74.3; Black, 0.7; Hispanic, 23.7; Asian, 0.5; Other, 1.4; Two or more races, 1.0.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 254; deaths, 318; marriages, 193; divorces, 68.

Recreation: Among leading deer-hunting areas; numerous historic sites and tourist attractions include Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Park and ranch, Nimitz Hotel and Pacific war museum; Pioneer Museum Complex, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, wineries, produce stands.

Minerals: Sand, gravel.

Agriculture: Beef cattle, wine, hay, peaches. Market value $31.2 million. Hunting leases important.

FREDERICKSBURG (11,250) county seat; agribusiness, tourism, wineries, food processing; museum; tourist attractions; hospital; Easter Fires, Oktoberfest.

Other towns include: Doss (100); Harper (1,346) ranching, deer hunting, Dachshund Hounds Downs race and Trades Day in October; Luckenbach (25) saloon, general store and dance hall; Stonewall (532) agribusiness, wineries, tourism, hunting, Peach Jamboree in June, and Willow City (22) scenic drive.

Lange's Mill, which dates from 1849, near Doss. Photo by Robert Plocheck.