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Physical Features: On edge of Llano Estacado; sandy loam soils; Natural Dam Lake.

Economy: Agriculture, petrochemicals, government/services.

History: Pawnee and Comanche area. Anglo-American settlement began in 1870. Oil boom in the mid-1920s. County named for V.E. Howard, legislator; created in 1876 from Bexar, Young districts; organized in 1882.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent), Anglo, 48.1; Black, 7.2; Hispanic, 43.1; Asian, 1.2; Other, 1.8; Two or more races, 1.8.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 484; deaths, 416; marriages, 234; divorces, 18.

Recreation: Lakes, Big Spring State Park; campground in Comanche Trail Park, Native Plant Trail, museum, historical sites, Pow Wow in April, Pops in the Park in July.

Minerals: Oil, gas, sand, gravel, and stone.

Agriculture: Cotton, beef, hay. Market value $26.9 million.

BIG SPRING (28,137) county seat; agriculture, petrochemicals, varied manufacturing; hospitals including a state institution and Veterans Administration hospital; federal prison; Howard College; railroad plaza.

Other towns include: Coahoma (842), Forsan (212), Knott (200), and Sand Springs (857).

Skyline of Big Spring. Photo by Robert Plocheck.