Atascosa County vs. Goliad County
Cowboys & Revolution
We kick off the new year with a match-up rooted in the deepest traditions of Texas. Atascosa County, south of San Antonio, claims the title of "Birthplace of the Cowboy" and is a hub for strawberries and peanuts. Goliad County, near the coast, is hallowed ground-the site of the Goliad Massacre and a cradle of the Texas Revolution. One is defined by the ranching lifestyle that shaped the West; the other by the sacrifice that shaped the Republic.
Atascosa County (Population Approx. 50,000)
Atascosa County is a diverse agricultural powerhouse. Jourdanton and Pleasanton anchor a community that celebrates its "Cowboy" heritage while producing significant strawberries and peanuts. The economy is a mix of farming, ranching, and energy services from the Eagle Ford Shale. Residents pride themselves on their hard work and the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival, which draws huge crowds. Challenges include managing water resources and the infrastructure impact of oilfield traffic.
Goliad County (Population Approx. 7,000)
Goliad County is sacred soil. The town of Goliad surrounds the historic Presidio La Bahía and Mission Espíritu Santo. It is a place of quiet reverence, towering live oaks, and cattle ranching. The community is deeply connected to its history, living among the landmarks of 1836. Residents focus on historic preservation, heritage tourism, and maintaining a rural way of life in the face of coastal development pressures.
Why It Matters
Atascosa County feeds the state and celebrates the ranching culture. Goliad County reminds us of the cost of freedom. Both counties rely on preserving their history to drive their modern economies, whether through festivals or tourism.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the strawberry farmer in Poteet and the historian in Goliad both deserve a government that honors their contributions.
In Atascosa County, the needs are practical. Open Primaries would allow the diverse agricultural and industrial workforce to elect leaders who focus on roads, water, and schools rather than partisan posturing. Ranked Choice Voting would ensure that the rapidly growing towns and the rural farms find consensus on development.
In Goliad County, heritage is everything. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize historic preservation and rural land rights. It ensures that the "Remember Goliad" spirit isn't drowned out by larger neighboring districts.
Did You Know…
Pleasanton (Atascosa) calls itself the "Birthplace of the Cowboy," citing its role as a gathering point for early cattle drives.
Goliad was the site of the Goliad Massacre on Palm Sunday 1836, the deadliest event of the Texas Revolution.
Poteet (Atascosa) is famous across the state for its sweet strawberries and the massive annual festival.
Presidio La Bahía in Goliad is the finest example of a Spanish frontier fort in existence.
General Ignacio Zaragoza, the hero of the Battle of Puebla (celebrated on Cinco de Mayo), was born in Goliad.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Atascosa residents love the sweet taste of local strawberries, the rodeo heritage, and the close-knit family vibes. Goliad locals love the stunning live oak canopies, the tangible history in the streets, and the reverence for the past.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Poteet Strawberry Festival (Atascosa): One of the largest and most famous agricultural festivals in Texas.
Goliad Market Days: A monthly open-air market on the historic courthouse square.
Cowboy Homecoming Festival (Pleasanton): Celebrating the county's claim to fame.
Annual Reenactment of the Goliad Massacre: A solemn and educational event honoring the fallen.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
