Howard County vs. Franklin County
Crossroads & Lake Houses
This match-up compares a historic Permian Basin hub with a Piney Woods leisure destination. Howard County, home to Big Spring, is a crossroads of energy, history, and transportation. Franklin County, one of the smallest in Texas, is the home of Mount Vernon and the stunning Lake Cypress Springs. One is defined by the Hotel Settles and oil; the other by luxury lake homes and dairy farms.
Howard County (Population Approx. 33,000)
Howard County is the "Crossroads of West Texas." Big Spring sits where the canyon meets the plains, centered around the historic spring that drew Comanches and settlers alike. The skyline is dominated by the restored Hotel Settles, a beacon of the region's revitalization. The economy is driven by oil, gas, and refining. Challenges include housing shortages during boom times and diversifying the economy.
Franklin County (Population Approx. 10,500)
Franklin County is a jewel of Northeast Texas. Mount Vernon features a picture-perfect town square, while Lake Cypress Springs is often voted the most beautiful lake in Texas, drawing wealthy weekenders from DFW. The economy is a mix of agriculture (poultry/dairy) and high-end real estate. Residents value the quiet beauty and the tight-knit community. Challenges include managing the wealth gap between lake residents and locals.
Why It Matters
Howard County keeps the energy moving. Franklin County provides a retreat and food production. Both counties illustrate the diversity of the Texas experience-from the gritty reality of the oil patch to the manicured lawns of the lakefront.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the refinery worker in Big Spring and the dairy farmer in Mount Vernon both drive our economy.
In Howard County, the boom-bust cycle is a way of life. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on long-term stability and infrastructure, rather than partisan grievance. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the gap between industry and community needs.
In Franklin County, water and land use are key. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize water quality and rural preservation. It ensures that the beauty of the lake and the viability of the farms are both protected.
Did You Know…
The Hotel Settles in Big Spring (Howard) is a 1930s Art Deco skyscraper that was abandoned for decades before a stunning restoration.
Lake Cypress Springs (Franklin) was named the "Most Beautiful Lake in Texas" by D Magazine.
Big Spring State Park offers dramatic views from a 200-foot bluff overlooking the city and the plains.
Mount Vernon (Franklin) is known for its immaculately preserved historic homes and the annual "Tour of Homes."
Howard County was home to the Webb Air Force Base, which closed in 1977 but left a lasting legacy.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Howard residents love the West Texas sunsets, the iconic hotel, and the spirit of resilience. Franklin locals love the pine-shaded roads, the clear water of the lake, and the charm of a town square that feels like a movie set.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Funtastic Fourth (Big Spring): A massive Independence Day celebration at the Comanche Trail Park.
Country Fest (Mount Vernon): A fall festival on the plaza with stew, music, and crafts.
Howard County Fair: Celebrating the agricultural roots of the region.
Tour de Cypress (Franklin): A popular bike ride around the beautiful lake.
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:
