Washington County vs. Brewster County
Birthplace & Big Bend
Today contrasts the cradle of the republic with the wildest frontier. Washington County is the "Birthplace of Texas," home to Washington-on-the-Brazos and Blue Bell Ice Cream. Brewster County is the largest county in the state (bigger than Connecticut!), home to Big Bend National Park and the high desert artist haven of Alpine/Marfa area. One is lush, green, and historic; the other is vast, arid, and majestic.
Washington County (Population Approx. 36,000)
Washington County is holy ground for Texans. It is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836. Brenham serves as the county seat, famous worldwide for Blue Bell Creameries and its springtime bluebonnets. The economy is driven by tourism, light manufacturing, and agriculture. The vibe is charming, historic, and sweet. Challenges include managing growth from Houston/Austin while preserving the rolling hills.
Brewster County (Population Approx. 9,500)
Brewster County is the definition of "wide open spaces." It hosts Big Bend National Park, Sul Ross State University in Alpine, and the ghost town of Terlingua. The landscape is dramatic mountains and desert. The community is a unique mix of ranchers, academics, artists, and river guides. Challenges include extreme remoteness, limited healthcare infrastructure, and balancing tourism with conservation.
Why It Matters
Washington County preserves the political origin of Texas. Brewster County preserves the ecological soul of Texas. Both counties are international destinations that require stewardship to ensure they remain pristine for future generations.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the tour guide at Independence Hall and the park ranger in the Chisos Mountains both protect our heritage.
In Washington County, heritage tourism is the lifeblood. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who prioritize preservation and infrastructure over partisan fighting. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community navigate the pressures of becoming an exurb.
In Brewster County, the needs are unique to its size. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that the diverse voices of the Big Bend-from the university in Alpine to the off-grid residents in Terlingua-are heard. It empowers the region to fight for funding despite its low population density.
Did You Know…
Washington-on-the-Brazos is where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836.
Brewster County is the largest county in Texas by area (6,192 sq miles), larger than the state of Connecticut.
Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham (Washington) offers tours and a scoop shop that is a rite of passage for Texans.
Big Bend National Park in Brewster County features the Chisos Mountains, the only mountain range contained entirely within a national park.
Sul Ross State University in Alpine is the "University of the Big Bend" and home to the Museum of the Big Bend.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Washington residents love the spring wildflowers, the ice cream, and the deep sense of history. Brewster locals love the dark skies, the silence of the desert, and the rugged independence required to live on the frontier.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Texas Independence Day Celebration (Washington-on-the-Brazos): The official birthday party of Texas.
Terlingua International Chili Cook-off (Brewster): A legendary and wild culinary competition in the desert.
Brenham Maifest (Washington): A German heritage festival held annually since 1881.
Viva Big Bend (Alpine/Brewster): A music festival showcasing Texas talent across 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:
