Moore County vs. Callahan County
Helium & Fantasy
Today’s match-up pairs an industrial giant of the Panhandle with a literary gem of West Texas. Moore County, home to Dumas, is a "Window on the Plains" and a major producer of natural gas and helium. Callahan County, home to Baird and Cross Plains, is the birthplace of the fantasy genre in Texas (Robert E. Howard) and a center for antiques. One is defined by industry and agriculture; the other by imagination and history.
Moore County (Population Approx. 21,000)
Moore County is an economic engine. Dumas sits at a major crossroads, supporting a massive beef processing industry, refineries, and helium plants. The landscape is flat, fertile, and productive. The community is diverse and hardworking, famously celebrated in the song "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas." Challenges include housing for the workforce and water conservation.
Callahan County (Population Approx. 14,000)
Callahan County is a place of stories. Cross Plains is the home of Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, drawing literary tourists worldwide. Baird features a historic T&P Railway depot and is known as the "Antique Capital of West Texas." The terrain is marked by the Callahan Divide. Residents value the quiet, rural lifestyle and the deep connections to the past.
Why It Matters
Moore County fuels the nation and feeds the world. Callahan County preserves a unique cultural legacy. Both counties demonstrate the surprising depth of rural Texas-from strategic resources to pulp fiction roots.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the plant worker in Dumas and the writer in Cross Plains both contribute to our state's richness.
In Moore County, the industrial needs are specific. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who focus on workforce housing and infrastructure, rather than partisan ideology. Ranked Choice Voting would help the diverse population find common ground.
In Callahan County, heritage tourism is growing. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize historic preservation and rural broadband. It ensures that the home of Conan keeps its unique identity.
Did You Know…
Dumas (Moore) is mentioned in the classic song "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas."
Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, lived and wrote in Cross Plains (Callahan). His home is now a museum.
Moore County is a major producer of the world's helium supply.
Baird (Callahan) is the county seat and known as the "Antique Capital of West Texas."
The Callahan Divide separates the Brazos and Colorado River watersheds, creating scenic views.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Moore residents love the economic opportunity, the friendly "Ding Dong Daddy" spirit, and the wide horizons. Callahan locals love the literary fame, the antique hunting, and the scenic drives through the divide.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Dogie Days (Dumas/Moore): A massive summer carnival and BBQ.
Robert E. Howard Days (Cross Plains/Callahan): A gathering of fantasy fans from around the globe.
Baird Railhead Festival: Celebrating the train history of the county seat.
Moore County Gin & Jazz: A cultural event in the plains.
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:
