Population |
21,539 |
![]() |
|
Click to enlarge. | Map legend. |
Physical Features: Hilly East Texas county; densely timbered; drains to Neches River; B.A. Steinhagen Lake; Big Thicket is unique plant and animal area.
Economy: Lumbering, government/services, some manufacturing, tourism, hunting leases.
![]() |
History: Caddoan area. Cherokees, Alabama, and Coushatta pushed into area from U.S. South in the 1820s. Anglo-Americans settled in the 1830s. Named for U.S. President John Tyler; county created in 1846 from Liberty County, organized the same year.
Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 79.1; Black, 11.2; Hispanic, 7.7; Asian, 0.6; Other, 0.9; Two or more races, 1.4.
Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 213; deaths, 274; marriages, 136; divorces, 97.
Recreation: Big Thicket National Preserve; Heritage Village; lake activities; Allan Shivers Museum; state forest; historic sites; dogwood festival in spring; rodeo, frontier frolics in September; gospel music fest in June.
Minerals: Oil, natural gas.
Agriculture: Cattle, hay, nursery crops, blueberries, horses. Market value $19.1 million. Timber sales significant.
WOODVILLE (2,711) county seat; lumber, cattle market, varied manufacturing, tourism; hospital, prison.
Other towns include: Chester (308) Colmesneil (579), Doucette (160), Fred (300), Hillister (250), Ivanhoe (1,489), Spurger (590), Warren (812).
![]() |
Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Photo by Gary S. HIckinbotham. |