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Physical Features: South Plains bordering New Mexico with small lakes (playas); underground water; loam, sandy loam soils.

Economy: Farming, government/services, retail.

History: Hunting area for various Indian tribes. Ranches operated in the 1880s but population in 1900 was still only 25. Farming began in the 1920s. County created from Bexar and Young districts in 1876; organized in 1924; named for Robert Cochran, who died at the Alamo.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 34.9; Black, 4.3; Hispanic, 59.9; Asian, 0.5; Other, 3.2; Two or more races, 1.1.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 39; deaths, 31; marriages, 9; divorces, 5.

Recreation: Museum; Last Frontier Trail Drive and Buffalo Soldier Day in June.

Minerals: Insignificant.

Agriculture: Cotton, peanuts, sorghum, peas, sunflowers, wheat. Crops 60 percent irrigated. Market value $87.6 million.

MORTON (1,781) county seat; oil, farm center, meat packing, light manufacture; hospital.

Other towns include: Bledsoe (126), Whiteface (439).

Markers in the Morton Cemetery commemorate four Buffalo Soldiers who perished in the Nolan Expedition of 1877. Photo by Robert Plocheck.