A newcomer to Texas might ask, “Where is Throckmorton County, the Capital of Cow Country, and why would we want to go there?” The “where” is a fairly easy question for folks: Draw a straight line from Abilene to Wichita Falls, put your finger on the halfway mark, and there we are! We consider ourselves as one of the “Gateways to the West.” Throckmorton County only hints at the sandy plains of West Texas as State Highway 380 comes west from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
If a person wants to see a representation of Texas beauty, Throckmorton County is a prime example. Bordered by the Salt Fork of the Brazos on the north and the Clear Fork on the south, the county exemplifies nature. While driving the county’s highways, you’ll be treated to fields of wheat, golden with spring promise, and dense copses of mesquite and prickly pear.
Fields of cattle are probably the most common sight in the county, as they represent the most common use of Throckmorton lands. The county still has several working ranches where one might see honest-to-goodness cowboys riding herd as they’re moved from field to field.
Three towns make up the friendly folks of our county, with a total population of less than 2,000. The city of Throckmorton has had a major facelift during the last few years from the remodel of the city pool last year to the beautiful replacement of sidewalks and street lights on Main Street this year.
The pride in our city is evident by our many activities including Pioneer Days, Cow Country Christmas, the Annual Wild Game Dinner, and the Great Mountain Oyster Cook-off. Woodson is becoming famous for its super July 4th blowout, and Elbert has become known for events held in the “tabernacle” gracing Main Street.
This is truly a county one needs to see and absorb. We are steeped in rich history, from the original Indian dugouts in the southern part of the county near Fort Griffin to the eastern side near Fort Belknap as it winds along the Texas Forts Trail.
So if you’re traveling the trail or just passing through, be sure and make plans to stop in and “shoot the bull.”
County Judge Trey Carrington
