County Seat: Carrizo Springs • County Population: 9,996 (2010 U.S. Census)
County Judge: Francisco Ponce
County Commissioners:
- Precinct 1: Mike Uriegas
- Precinct 2: Johnny Gloria
- Precinct 3: Juan R. Carmona
- Precinct 4: Rodrigo Jaime
The original 1884 Italianate Dimmit County Courthouse by Breeding and Sons was later enclosed by the 1926 Classical Revival design by Henry T. Phelps.
Some 10 years ago the county engaged in a major restoration effort, culminating in the rededication of the courthouse in late 2004. The comprehensive project included a new electrical system, repairs to the cornice, and paint restoration on three vault doors. Suspended ceilings were removed to expose plaster ceilings, crown molding, and the top sash of windows in a St. John’s cross design. A 1940 painted wainscot was discovered in the courtroom, matching the historic stained concrete floors. Finally, the exterior rough-cut sandstone was retained from the original courthouse.
Dimmit County was named for Philip Dimmitt, who commanded troops during the Revolution. During the naming of the county the second “t” was mistakenly dropped.
The county seat of Carrizo Springs was actually the county’s first permanent settlement and was named after the abundance of native cane, called Carrizo, located on a spring-fed tributary of the Nueces River.
Often referred to as “The Texas Brush Country,” Dimmit County enjoys an average temperature of about 70 degrees, which allows for year-round ranching, farming, and outdoor recreation.
The county is historically known for its trophy whitetail deer population; the area houses 823,000 acres of habitat and an estimated 23,000 to 25,000 deer, along with a plentiful supply of wild feral hogs, coyotes, trophy-sized rattlesnakes, and other small game. Birding enthusiasts are making Dimmit County a hot spot, along with those with a fondness for dove, quail, and stock tank duck hunting.
A string of lakes, not to mention the Nueces River, afford water sports and superb fishing. Dimmit County is home to Presidio Lake, Boynton Dam (Lake), and the legendary Espantosa Lake. Named for the Spanish word for “haunted,” the lake has ghosts dating back to battles fought along the river.
Visitors and homefolks alike enjoy the Annual Dimmit County Brush Country Days Festival, which takes place every fall. The weekend features team roping, ranch rodeo, boot racing, calf scrambling, a parade, and a pageant, among other activities.