Upshur County vs. Dimmit County
Yams & Olive Oil
This match-up brings together the lush forests of East Texas and the arid brush of the Winter Garden region. Upshur County, home to the East Texas Yamboree, is a land of sweet potatoes, timber, and rolling hills. Dimmit County, near the border, is an agricultural oasis known for onions, huge deer, and recently: olive oil production. One is defined by autumn festivals and pines; the other by irrigation and mesquite.
Upshur County (Population Approx. 41,000)
Upshur County is sweet potato country. Gilmer, the county seat, hosts one of the oldest and largest food festivals in Texas, the Yamboree. The economy is a mix of agriculture, timber, and manufacturing. The vibe is community-centric, with a deep love for high school football (the Gilmer Buckeyes) and local traditions. Challenges include rural healthcare access and diversifying the economy.
Dimmit County (Population Approx. 8,600)
Dimmit County is part of the "Winter Garden." Carrizo Springs serves as the hub for a region that produces winter vegetables and, increasingly, Texas olive oil. It is also a hotspot for the Eagle Ford Shale energy boom. The community balances its agricultural roots with the intensity of the oilfield. Residents face the challenges of water conservation in an arid climate and the infrastructure strain from energy traffic.
Why It Matters
Upshur County preserves a unique agricultural heritage. Dimmit County is pioneering new crops like olives while fueling the nation. Both counties need support to maintain their rural identities in a changing economy.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the yam farmer in Gilmer and the olive grower in Carrizo Springs both enrich our state's table.
In Upshur County, tradition runs deep. Open Primaries would allow the community to focus on local issues like schools and roads, rather than getting caught up in national political storms. Ranked Choice Voting would help ensure that the diverse towns in the county work together for regional growth.
In Dimmit County, the economy is evolving. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who understand both the energy industry and the emerging olive market. It ensures that the Winter Garden has a voice to demand sustainable water policies.
Did You Know…
The East Texas Yamboree in Gilmer (Upshur) has been celebrating the sweet potato industry since 1935 with a "Queen Yam."
Carrizo Springs (Dimmit) is home to the Texas Olive Ranch, the largest producer of olive oil in the state.
Upshur County was home to the experimental pop music group The Polyphonic Spree's founder, Tim DeLaughter.
Dimmit County was once known as the "Bermuda Onion Capital of the World" before shifting to other crops.
Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area in Upshur County is one of the premier off-roading parks in Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Upshur residents love the Friday night lights, the taste of yam pie, and the beauty of the fall foliage. Dimmit locals love the mild winters, the pride of the olive harvest, and the stark beauty of the brush country.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
East Texas Yamboree (Gilmer/Upshur): A massive four-day event with a carnival, pageant, and livestock show.
Dimmit County Wild Hog Cook-Off: A community favorite celebrating local cuisine.
Cherokee Rose Festival (Gilmer): honoring the state flower and local history.
Brush Country Day (Carrizo Springs): Celebrating the heritage of the region.
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:
