Hockley County vs. Nolan County
Mosaics & Rattlesnakes
We start Week 17 with a match-up between the artistic soul of the South Plains and the wind energy capital of the Rolling Plains. Hockley County, home to Levelland, is known as the "City of Mosaics" and a hub for higher education. Nolan County, home to Sweetwater, is famous worldwide for its Rattlesnake Roundup and its massive wind farms. One is defined by public art and cotton; the other by venom and voltage.
Hockley County (Population Approx. 23,000)
Hockley County is a cultural oasis in the cotton patch. Levelland features over 100 large-scale mosaics adorning its buildings, a legacy of community pride. It is also the home of South Plains College, known for its renowned bluegrass and commercial music programs. The economy is driven by agriculture and energy. The vibe is creative, educational, and industrious. Challenges include water conservation and retaining graduates in the region.
Nolan County (Population Approx. 15,000)
Nolan County is where the wind blows and the snakes rattle. Sweetwater hosts the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup," a tradition that draws thousands. It is also a global leader in wind energy generation, with turbines lining the horizon. The county honors the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) at Avenger Field. The community is tough, innovative, and proud of its unique claims to fame.
Why It Matters
Hockley County nurtures the culture and workforce of the plains. Nolan County powers the grid and preserves aviation history. Both counties demonstrate how rural communities can carve out global niches-whether in music or renewable energy.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the artist in Levelland and the wind tech in Sweetwater both power our state.
In Hockley County, education is the engine. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who prioritize funding for community colleges and rural arts, rather than partisan distraction. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse student and farming populations find common ground.
In Nolan County, energy is king. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who understand the complex grid issues and property rights associated with wind farming. It ensures that the Wind Capital has a voice in Austin's energy debates.
Did You Know…
Sweetwater (Nolan) hosts the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup every March, a tradition started in 1958.
Levelland (Hockley) is the "City of Mosaics," featuring a walking tour of intricate public art pieces.
Avenger Field in Nolan County was the training ground for the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during WWII.
South Plains College in Hockley County attracts musicians from around the world to its Camp Bluegrass.
Nolan County is often cited as having one of the highest concentrations of wind turbines in the world.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Hockley residents love the creative spirit, the college town energy, and the beautiful downtown square. Nolan locals love the pride of the WASP museum, the excitement of the roundup, and the economic boost of the wind industry.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
National WASP WWII Museum Homecoming (Sweetwater): Honoring the female pilots of WWII.
Early Settlers Day (Levelland): A summer celebration with parades and music.
World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup (Sweetwater): The main event.
Sausage & Sauerkraut Festival (Hockley): Celebrating local 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:
