Population |
2,139 |
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Physical Features: West central county of rolling topography, draining to San Saba River and tributaries; limestone soils.
Economy: Agriculture, tourism, oil, gas production.
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History: Apaches, followed by Comanches in 18th century. Mission Santa Cruz de San Sabá established in 1757. A few Anglo-American and German settlers arrived in the 1840s. County created from Bexar County in 1858, organized in 1871; named for Galveston’s founder, Michel B. Menard.
Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 60.9; Black, 1.6; Hispanic, 36.5; Asian, 0.2; Other, 1.6; Two or more races, 1.0.
Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 15; deaths, 33; marriages, 9; divorces, 9.
Recreation: Hunting, fishing; historic sites, including Spanish presidio, mission, irrigation ditches; Fort McKavett State Historic Site; railroad museum; Jim Bowie barbecue cook-off in May.
Minerals: Oil, gas.
Agriculture: Cattle, sheep, goats, pecans, hay. Market value $9.1 million. Hunting leases, ecotourism important.
MENARD (1,355) county seat; agribusiness, government/services; hunters blowout ball in early November.
Other towns include: Fort McKavett (50); Hext (75).
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The San Saba River east of Menard. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |