Caldwell County vs. Winkler County
BBQ & Black Gold
This match-up brings together the culinary capital of Central Texas and the energy heart of the West. Caldwell County, home to Lockhart and Luling, is world-famous for its BBQ trail and watermelons. Winkler County, in the Permian Basin, is home to Kermit and Wink, sitting atop vast oil reserves and impressive sandhills. One draws tourists with smoked brisket; the other fuels the nation with crude
Caldwell County (Population Approx. 46,000)
Caldwell County is a flavor destination. Lockhart is officially the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," while Luling hosts the famous "Watermelon Thump." The economy is diversifying with new highway access (SH 130), bringing Austin commuters and film productions to its historic downtowns. Residents cherish the small-town vibe but face the pressure of rapid growth from the north.
Winkler County (Population Approx. 7,800)
Winkler County is synonymous with Texas oil. Kermit and Wink are company towns that rise and fall with the energy market. It is also the childhood home of music legend Roy Orbison. The landscape is defined by pumpjacks and the Monahans Sandhills (shared with Ward). The community is resilient, hardworking, and faces challenges with housing shortages, sinkholes caused by extraction, and infrastructure strain.
Why It Matters
Caldwell County is leveraging its culture for economic growth. Winkler County is leveraging its geology. Both counties illustrate the diversity of the Texas economy: from tourism and taste to extraction and energy.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the pitmaster in Lockhart and the roughneck in Kermit both contribute to our state's fame.
In Caldwell County, the influx of new residents is changing the political map. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on managing the "Austin spillover" and preserving local culture, rather than partisan fighting. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the gap between long-time locals and newcomers.
In Winkler County, the needs are industrial and urgent. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that the energy community can elect leaders who fight for road repair funds and healthcare access in the oil patch. It empowers the Permian Basin to demand returns on the massive wealth it generates for the state.
Did You Know…
Lockhart (Caldwell) was designated the "Barbecue Capital of Texas" by the legislature in 1999.
Wink (Winkler) is the childhood home of Roy Orbison, and features a museum dedicated to the "Big O."
The Luling Watermelon Thump is one of the state's most famous festivals, held since 1954.
The Wink Sink is a massive sinkhole in Winkler County, a stark reminder of the geological impact of extraction.
Caldwell County courthouse is one of the most photographed in the state and often appears in movies.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Caldwell residents love the smell of post oak smoke, the historic squares, and the easy access to both Austin and San Antonio. Winkler locals love the pride of the oilfield, the music history, and the tight bonds forged in a boom-bust economy.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Luling Watermelon Thump (Caldwell): Four days of music, carnival, and seed-spitting.
Roy Orbison Festival (Wink/Winkler): Celebrating the musical legacy of the town's favorite son.
Chisholm Trail Roundup (Lockhart): A rodeo and music festival honoring the cowboy past.
Kermit Celebration Days: A community gathering with food and fun.
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:
