Burnet County vs. Refugio County
Highland Lakes & Coastal History
Today matches the granite hills of Central Texas with the coastal plains of the Gulf. Burnet County is the jewel of the Hill Country, famous for its bluebonnets, granite quarries, and the Highland Lakes. Refugio County is steeped in colonial history, home to Spanish missions and the boyhood stomping grounds of Nolan Ryan. One is defined by rock and fresh water; the other by salt air and resilience against hurricanes.
Burnet County (Population Approx. 50,000)
Burnet County is the playground of Central Texas. Marble Falls and Burnet serve as gateways to Inks Lake, Lake Buchanan, and Lake LBJ. The region is famous for the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas" festival and the massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock (shared with Llano). The economy thrives on tourism and retirees, but faces challenges with water management and housing affordability for service workers.
Refugio County (Population Approx. 6,700)
Refugio County is historic and tough. Refugio (pronounced "Re-fury-o") was the site of a Spanish mission and significant battles during the Texas Revolution. The economy is driven by agriculture, oil, and its position on the coastal bend. The community is tight-knit, having rebuilt repeatedly after storms like Hurricane Harvey, and prides itself on its deep Texas roots.
Why It Matters
Burnet County manages the reservoirs that supply water to much of the Colorado River basin. Refugio County protects a vital stretch of coastal ecosystem and history. Both counties need leadership that prioritizes environmental stewardship: whether managing lake levels or coastal erosion.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the boat captain in Marble Falls and the rancher in Refugio deserve a sustainable future.
In Burnet County, the pressure on water resources is existential. Open Primaries would allow voters to focus on environmental and infrastructure solutions rather than partisan distraction. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community elect leaders who can balance the needs of tourists with the rights of locals.
In Refugio County, resilience is key. Ranked Choice Voting gives the coastal community a stronger voice to demand hurricane protection and infrastructure funding from the state. It empowers them to protect their history and their homes.
Did You Know…
Burnet is officially the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas," hosting a massive festival each spring.
Nolan Ryan, the baseball legend, was born in Refugio, and the town remains fiercely proud of him.
Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet County was a speakeasy during Prohibition and a shelter for Comanches before that.
Mission Nuestra Señora del Refugio was the last Spanish mission established in Texas (1793).
Marble Falls (Burnet) is famous for the Blue Bonnet Cafe and its world-class pie.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Burnet residents love the stunning hill country views, the days on the lake, and the pie happy hour. Refugio locals love the smell of the salt air, the Friday night football tradition, and the deep sense of history that permeates the soil.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Bluebonnet Festival (Burnet): A massive spring event with music, parades, and wildflowers.
Refugio County Fair: A celebration of local agriculture and youth achievement.
Lakefest Drag Boat Races (Marble Falls): High-speed excitement on Lake Marble Falls.
Refugio Boomer Patch: An annual gathering celebrating the local energy industry.
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:
