Erath County vs. San Augustine County
Cowboys & Cradles
The week concludes with a contrast between the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and the "Cradle of Texas." Erath County, southwest of Fort Worth, is a booming hub of dairy, rodeo, and higher education. San Augustine County, in Deep East Texas, is one of the oldest settlements in the state, rich in mission history and pine forests. One is defined by boots and milk; the other by red dirt and revolution.
Erath County (Population Approx. 43,000)
Erath County is where the West begins. Stephenville is home to Tarleton State University and claims the title "Cowboy Capital of the World" due to the high density of professional rodeo athletes who live there. It is also a top dairy producer. The vibe is energetic, youthful, and agricultural. Challenges include managing rapid growth from the university and DFW spillover, and maintaining water resources for the dairy industry.
San Augustine County (Population Approx. 7,900)
San Augustine County is where Texas began. Located on the El Camino Real, San Augustine features Mission Dolores and some of the oldest buildings in the state. The economy is driven by timber and poultry. The community is quiet, historic, and deeply rooted in the red clay soil of East Texas. Challenges include rural economic development and preserving historic structures with limited funds.
Why It Matters
Erath County drives the modern agricultural and educational economy. San Augustine County preserves the foundational history of the state. Both counties need policies that support their specific identities: whether it's funding for higher ed or historic preservation grants.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the student in Stephenville and the historian in San Augustine both enrich our state.
In Erath County, the mix of students and farmers creates a dynamic electorate. Open Primaries would allow this diverse group to elect leaders who focus on the future of agriculture and education, rather than partisan dogma. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the gap between the university and the rural county.
In San Augustine County, the history must be protected. Ranked Choice Voting gives the rural community a stronger voice to demand support for their historic sites and timber industry. It ensures that the Cradle of Texas is honored and sustained.
Did You Know…
Stephenville (Erath) is the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and home to more pro rodeo athletes per capita than anywhere else.
San Augustine sits on the El Camino Real de los Tejas, the historic royal road.
Tarleton State University in Erath County is a major member of the Texas A&M System.
Mission Dolores in San Augustine is a state historic site preserving a Spanish mission from 1721.
Erath County is one of the top milk-producing counties in Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Erath residents love the purple pride of Tarleton, the excitement of the rodeo, and the booming local economy. San Augustine locals love the deep shade of the pines, the sense of walking in the footsteps of Sam Houston, and the quiet, historic charm.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo (Stephenville): A massive event that lives up to the town's name.
Sassafras Festival (San Augustine): Celebrating the local culture and food in the historic square.
Larry Joe Taylor Music Festival (Erath): A huge Texas country music gathering.
San Augustine County Fair: A traditional gathering for families and farmers.
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:
