Bandera County vs. Blanco County
Cowboy Capital & Lavender Fields
Today’s match-up pairs two jewels of the Texas Hill Country. Bandera County is the "Cowboy Capital of the World," famous for its dude ranches and rodeos. Blanco County is the "Lavender Capital of Texas" and the childhood home of LBJ. One is defined by boots and saddles; the other by purple blooms and presidential history.
Bandera County (Population Approx. 22,000)
Bandera County lives the cowboy life. Bandera serves as a global destination for those seeking the western experience, with numerous dude ranches and honky-tonks. The Medina River winds through the cypress trees, offering respite from the heat. The economy is heavily tourism-dependent. Challenges include managing water resources and preserving the authentic western vibe as development creeps in.
Blanco County (Population Approx. 12,000)
Blanco County is elegant and historic. Johnson City and Blanco anchor a region known for its lavender farms, breweries (Real Ale), and the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. The Blanco River is the lifeblood of the community. The vibe is a mix of old ranching families and new Austin commuters. Challenges include rapid appreciation of land values and water conservation.
Why It Matters
Bandera County preserves the cowboy mythos that defines Texas to the world. Blanco County preserves the legacy of a President and the beauty of the Hill Country. Both counties face the intense pressure of being "discovered" by the outside world.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the wrangler in Bandera and the brewer in Blanco both shape our culture.
In Bandera County, the rural character is the asset. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on sustainable tourism and water protection, rather than partisan issues. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the gap between long-time locals and new residents.
In Blanco County, growth management is critical. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize environmental stewardship and historic preservation. It ensures that the Lavender Capital remains beautiful and livable.
Did You Know…
Bandera is officially the "Cowboy Capital of the World," a title earned as a staging area for the Great Western Cattle Trail.
Johnson City (Blanco) is the hometown of Lyndon B. Johnson, and his boyhood home is a National Historic Site.
The Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera has been hosting guests since the 1950s.
Blanco is known as the "Lavender Capital of Texas," hosting a major festival each June.
Real Ale Brewing Company in Blanco is one of the state's most successful craft breweries.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Bandera residents love the rodeo every weekend, the river floating, and the authentic honky-tonks. Blanco locals love the lavender fields, the history of LBJ, and the swimming hole at Blanco State Park.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Bandera Riverfest: A summer celebration on the Medina River with tubes and tunes.
Blanco Lavender Festival: A fragrant celebration of the local crop with markets and tours.
Cowboy Capital PRCA Rodeo (Bandera): A Memorial Day tradition.
Lights Spectacular (Johnson City): A massive holiday light display at the PEC headquarters.
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:
