Gillespie County vs. Red River County
Peaches & Plantations
Today’s match-up contrasts the booming wine country of Central Texas with the historic Red River valley of the Northeast. Gillespie County (home to Fredericksburg) is the premier destination for Texas wine, peaches, and German heritage. Red River County, home to Clarksville, is one of the oldest counties in the state, rich in antebellum history and timber. One is a tourism juggernaut; the other is a quiet guardian of the past.
Gillespie County (Population Approx. 27,000)
Gillespie County is the crown jewel of Texas tourism. Fredericksburg draws millions of visitors to its Main Street shops, vineyards, and the National Museum of the Pacific War. The economy has shifted heavily toward hospitality and viticulture, transforming the rural landscape into a luxury destination. Residents cherish their deep German roots but face significant challenges with housing affordability and water management as the population swells.
Red River County (Population approx. 11,500)
Red River County feels like the Old South. Clarksville features a stunning courthouse square and historic homes that predate the Republic. The economy is driven by agriculture, timber, and ranching. The vibe is slow-paced, friendly, and deeply historic. It is a place where family names go back to the original land grants. Challenges include economic revitalization and preserving its rich architectural history with limited resources.
Why It Matters
Gillespie County is the face of the "New Rural" Texas-wealthy and crowded. Red River County represents the traditional rural struggle to maintain population. Both counties are stewards of Texas history-one through LBJ and Nimitz, the other through the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the winemaker in Fredericksburg and the timber hauler in Clarksville both deserve a sustainable future.
In Gillespie County, the growth is explosive. Open Primaries would allow the service workers, winery owners, and long-time ranchers to elect leaders who prioritize infrastructure and water security over partisan talking points. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community navigate the tension between tourism and livability.
In Red River County, history needs a future. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize rural broadband and historic preservation grants. It ensures that one of the oldest counties in Texas isn't left behind by the 21st century.
Did You Know…
Fredericksburg (Gillespie) is the home of the National Museum of the Pacific War, honoring hometown hero Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz.
Clarksville (Red River) was established in 1833 and is one of the oldest towns in Texas, featuring the DeMorse House.
Lyndon B. Johnson was born and is buried in Gillespie County at the LBJ Ranch (the "Texas White House").
Red River County was once the head of navigation on the Red River and a major gateway for early settlers.
Enchanted Rock is just north of Fredericksburg, a massive pink granite batholith legendary in Texas folklore.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Gillespie residents love the peach season, the world-class wine, and the festive German Christmas markets. Red River locals love the tall pine trees, the quiet history of the square, and the deep connection to the land.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest (Gillespie): A massive celebration of Texas culinary arts.
Red River County Fair (Clarksville): A traditional fall gathering with livestock and crafts.
Oktoberfest (Fredericksburg): One of the most authentic German celebrations in the state.
Gateway to Texas Festival (Clarksville): Celebrating the county's role in early Texas history.
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:
