Navarro County vs. Presidio County
Fruitcakes & Frontier Forts
This match-up pairs a historic Blackland Prairie county with the rugged majesty of the Big Bend region. Navarro County, home to Corsicana, is famous for its oil history and the world-renowned Collin Street Bakery fruitcakes. Presidio County, in the far west, is a land of art, mystery, and high desert beauty, home to Marfa and Presidio. One is traditional and industrial; the other is avant-garde and wild.
Navarro County (Population Approx. 53,000)
Navarro County was the site of the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi. Corsicana is a hub of history, industry (Russell Stover, Collin Street Bakery), and education (Navarro College). The vibe is proud and resilient, with a strong connection to its "black gold" past. Challenges include revitalizing downtown areas and managing economic shifts as the metroplex expands southward.
Presidio County (Population Approx. 6,000)
Presidio County is iconic. Marfa draws international art tourists to its minimalist installations and mysterious lights, while Presidio serves as a vital border crossing. The landscape is breathtaking: mountains, desert, and the Rio Grande. The community is a fascinating mix of ranchers, artists, and border families. Challenges include extreme housing costs (in Marfa), healthcare access, and the remoteness of the region.
Why It Matters
Navarro County proves that industry can thrive in rural Texas. Presidio County proves that culture and landscape are economic drivers. Both counties face the challenge of balancing their local identity with outside interest: whether it's suburban sprawl in Navarro or tourism in Presidio.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the baker in Corsicana and the artist in Marfa both enrich our state.
In Navarro County, the workforce is diverse. Open Primaries would allow industrial workers and rural residents to vote for pragmatic leaders who prioritize jobs and education over partisan loyalty. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community elect consensus builders to manage growth.
In Presidio County, the needs are unique. Ranked Choice Voting allows the community to support candidates who understand the specific challenges of a border/arts economy, like affordable housing and water, without fear of splitting the vote. It gives the Big Bend a voice in Austin.
Did You Know…
Corsicana (Navarro) is home to the Collin Street Bakery, which has been shipping its famous fruitcakes worldwide since 1896.
Marfa (Presidio) is famous for the Marfa Lights, mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the desert night.
Navarro County was the site of the first significant oil discovery in Texas (1894), predating Spindletop.
Presidio County features the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum founded by Donald Judd.
The movie Giant was filmed in Presidio County, capturing the iconic Texas landscape.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Navarro residents love the rich history, the sweet smell of the bakery, and the community pride of the Corsicana Tigers. Presidio locals love the stunning sunsets, the "Marfa mystery," and the rugged independence of living in one of the wildest parts of the state.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Derrick Days (Corsicana/Navarro): Celebrating the county's oil heritage with a chili cook-off and parade.
Marfa Lights Festival (Presidio): A celebration of the mysterious lights with music and food.
Bronze Star & Purple Heart Memorial (Navarro): Events honoring veterans in the community.
Presidio Onion Festival: Celebrating the region's agricultural harvest.
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:
