Population |
21,895 |
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Physical Features: High Plains, broken by Red River forks, tributaries; sandy loam, waxy soils.
Economy: Petroleum, agriculture, government/services.
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History: Apaches, displaced by Comanches and Kiowas. Ranching began in the late 1870s. Farmers arrived around 1900. Oil discovered in 1926. County created in 1876 from Bexar District; organized in 1902; named for Peter W. Gray, member of first Legislature.
Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 63.2; Black, 5.2; Hispanic, 29.2; Asian, 0.7; Other, 1.7; Two or more races, 2.2.
Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 338; deaths, 267; marriages, 199; divorces, 97.
Recreation: Water sports, Lake McClellan National Grassland; White Deer Land Museum, barbed-wire museum; Top of Texas livestock show in January.
Minerals: Natural gas, oil.
Agriculture: Cattle, hogs, wheat, cotton, corn, sorghum, hay, milk. Market value $154.6 million.
PAMPA (17,074) county seat; petroleum, agriculture; hospital; college; prison; Woody Guthrie museum; Mud Bog car show in June.
Other towns include: Alanreed (48); Lefors (472); McLean (747) commercial center for southern part of county.
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A ranch gate along Texas 273 near McLean. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |