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Physical Features: Small Northeast county with many wooded hills; drained by numerous streams, Sulphur River; alluvial to sandy clay soils; Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Cypress Springs.

Economy: Agribusiness, government/services, retirement area, distribution.

History: Caddoes abandoned the area in the 1790s because of disease and other tribes. First white settlers arrived around 1818. County created in 1875 from Titus County, organized the same year; named for jurist B.C. Franklin.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 78.5; Black, 4.0; Hispanic, 14.8; Asian, 1.0; Other, 1.1; Two or more races, 1.8.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 123; deaths, 122; marriages, 62; divorces, 33.

Recreation: Fishing, water sports; historic homes; wild hog hunting, horse stables; stew cook-off in October.

Minerals: Lignite coal, oil and gas.

Agriculture: Beef cattle, milk production, poultry, hay. Market value $134 million. Timber marketed.

MOUNT VERNON (2,739) county seat; distribution center, manufacturing, tourism, antiques; hospital; nature preserves, museum with Don Meredith exhibit; wine festivals in May and October.

Other towns include: Scroggins (150), and Winnsboro (3,401, mostly in Wood County) commercial center, Autumn Trails.

Lake Bob Sandlin. Photo from Texas Parks & Wildlife.