Brown County vs. Jack County
Cowboy Roots & Frontier Forts
This match-up pairs a regional commercial hub with a historic frontier outpost. Brown County, geographically central, is home to Brownwood and Howard Payne University. Jack County, northwest of DFW, is the site of Fort Richardson and a land of rugged ranching history. One is defined by education and industry; the other by cavalry history and limestone.
Brown County (Population Approx. 38,000)
Brown County is a key intersection in Central Texas. Brownwood serves as a retail, medical, and educational center for a large rural area. The community is home to Howard Payne University and Lake Brownwood State Park. The vibe is "big town amenities, small town feel." Challenges include water conservation at the lake and revitalizing the downtown district.
Jack County (Population Approx. 8,500)
Jack County is where the frontier was defended. Jacksboro is home to Fort Richardson State Park, one of the most significant military posts in Texas history. The economy relies on ranching, wind energy, and oil. The community is proud, resilient, and deeply connected to its history as a shield against the Comanches. Challenges include maintaining rural infrastructure and diversifying the economy.
Why It Matters
Brown County acts as an anchor for a large rural population. Jack County preserves a critical chapter of the Texas story. Both counties need policies that support rural hubs-whether through university funding or historic site preservation.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the student in Brownwood and the historian in Jacksboro both enrich our state.
In Brown County, the university presence brings diverse views. Open Primaries would allow students and locals to elect pragmatic leaders who focus on economic growth and water security, rather than partisan dogma. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community build consensus on future development.
In Jack County, the history must be preserved. Ranked Choice Voting gives the rural community a stronger voice to demand support for their historic sites and energy industry. It ensures that the frontier spirit is honored and sustained.
Did You Know…
Fort Richardson in Jack County was the base of operations for the arrest of Kiowa chiefs Satanta and Big Tree, a pivotal moment in the Red River War.
Brownwood (Brown) was a major training center during WWII, home to Camp Bowie (not to be confused with the 1836 camp).
Lake Brownwood State Park was built by the CCC and features stunning stone structures.
Jacksboro claims to be the birthplace of 4-H in Texas (founded in 1908).
Underwood's Cafeteria in Brownwood is famous statewide for its BBQ and rolls.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Brown residents love the university sports, the days on the lake, and the famous BBQ. Jack locals love the living history at the fort, the wide-open ranch land, and the deep pride in their frontier ancestors.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Feels Like Home Festival: An annual event featuring concerts, contests, and a parade.
Fort Richardson Reenactments (Jack): Bringing the cavalry days back to life.
Rattlesnake Roundup (Brownwood): A unique Texas tradition.
Jack County Fair: Celebrating local youth and agriculture.
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:
