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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.

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, 59.9; Black, 1.7; Hispanic, 37.0; Asian, 0.2; Other, 1.7; Two or more races, 1.3.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 15; deaths, 33; marriages, 4; divorces, 7.

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 (1,400) county seat; agribusiness, government/services; hunters blowout ball in early November.

Other towns include: Fort McKavett (50); Hext (75).

The San Saba River east of Menard. Photo by Robert Plocheck.