Fayette County vs. Dawson County
Painted Churches & Chicken Fried Steak
This match-up brings together the cultural heart of German-Czech Texas and the agricultural soul of the South Plains. Fayette County, home to La Grange, is famous for its Painted Churches, rolling hills, and Kolaches. Dawson County, south of Lubbock, is the legendary home of the Chicken Fried Steak and vast cotton fields. One is defined by European heritage and architecture; the other by American comfort food and farming.
Fayette County (Population Approx. 24,000)
Fayette County is a cultural treasure. La Grange, Schulenburg, and Round Top draw visitors for the antiques (Round Top Antiques Fair), the history (Monument Hill), and the stunning Painted Churches. The economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and power generation (LCRA). The vibe is artistic, historic, and proudly quirky. Challenges include managing the massive influx of tourists during antique weeks and preserving rural land.
Dawson County (Population Approx. 12,000)
Dawson County is High Plains hospitality. Lamesa (Spanish for "The Table") sits on the flat, fertile land that produces cotton and peanuts. The town claims to be the birthplace of the Chicken Fried Steak, a staple of Texas cuisine. The community is tight-knit, hardworking, and centered around agriculture. Challenges include water scarcity and rural economic development.
Why It Matters
Fayette County preserves the artistic legacy of early immigrants. Dawson County feeds the state and created a culinary icon. Both counties rely on their unique claims to fame to drive their economies.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the antique dealer in Round Top and the cotton farmer in Lamesa both shape our identity.
In Fayette County, the tourist economy brings diverse views. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who balance the needs of the antique industry with the rights of local landowners. Ranked Choice Voting would help build consensus on infrastructure planning.
In Dawson County, the agricultural base is vital. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the farming community to support candidates who prioritize water rights and the Farm Bill, ensuring that Lamesa remains a viable hub for the region.
Did You Know…
The Painted Churches of Texas in Fayette County look like simple wooden chapels on the outside but feature breathtaking, colorful frescoes inside.
Lamesa (Dawson) claims the invention of the Chicken Fried Steak, celebrating it with an annual festival.
Round Top (Fayette) hosts one of the largest antique shows in the country, swelling the population by thousands twice a year.
The Chicken Farm Art Center started in San Angelo, but the legend of the Chicken Ranch ("La Grange") is pure Fayette County history (and ZZ Top fame).
Monument Hill State Historic Site in La Grange honors the men of the Mier Expedition and Dawson's Men.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Fayette residents love the kolaches, the bluebonnets, and the world-class shopping in the fields. Dawson locals love the golden sunsets, the crispy breading on a steak, and the friendly wave on the square.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Chicken Fried Steak Festival (Lamesa/Dawson): A delicious celebration of the legendary dish with a cook-off and hot air balloons.
Round Top Antiques Fair (Fayette): A global event drawing designers and shoppers.
Fayette County Fair (La Grange): A classic fair with German/Czech roots.
Schulenburg Sausagefest: Celebrating the town's culinary heritage.
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:
