Garza County

Garza County Offices

Garza County Town List

Garza County is named after José Antonio de la Garza y Arroyo. The Spanish gave the name to honor him for his service as a soldier and governor of New Mexico during its colonization period. It has been suggested that he may have also served under Juan Bautista de Anza at San Gabriel Mission near Los Angeles.  

He later became Governor of Coahuila y Tejas from 1749-1753. In 1824, it was established as one of the counties of the State of Coahuila y Tamaulipas. Its county seat is Post. As of the 2019 census, the population was 6,229.  

Attractions You’ll Find in Garza County 

The county has top sights that make it a great place to visit. Here are some attractions: 

The Old Jail Museum: This museum is housed in an old jail built in 1856. Inside there’re exhibits on local history and culture. There’s even a small theater where they show movies about the area. 

Old Town Fort Stockton: Located just outside of town, this fort was used to protect settlers against attacks from Native Americans. Today visitors can explore the buildings and grounds, including museums, shops, restaurants, and more. 

Fort Davis National Historic Site: Just south of the downtown post, this site features several restored structures like a church, schoolhouse, officers’ quarters, and other historic sites. 

Post Office Art Gallery: A gallery featuring works created by artists who live or work in the community. 

Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame & Western Heritage Center: Learn all about the cowboy lifestyle and how it relates to today’s society. You will find everything here from clothing to equipment to food to art. They’ve got something for everyone! 

Brazos River National Wildlife Refuge: Explore over 100 miles of trails through pristine prairies, woodlands, marshes, and river bottoms. See wildlife such as white pelicans, bald eagles, osprey, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, turtles, snakes, fish, and much more. 

Casa De Cultura Cultural Complex : Casa De Cultura houses three galleries; the Salinas Gallery, the Galería del Pueblo, and the Museo Regional de Antropologia. These galleries showcase various cultures, including indigenous groups, Hispanic communities, African American heritage, arts and crafts, regional folklife, and contemporary visual arts. 

Salinas Arts Festival: Held annually since 1992, this festival celebrates the rich cultural diversity found throughout our region.  

The Economy in Garza 

Farms and ranches dominate the landscape, with many working cattle operations. Agriculture in the county is among the economic activities. Farmers grow corn, wheat, sorghum, cotton, soybeans, alfalfa hay, oats, barley, peanuts, sunflowers, and other grains. 

The area also has a large dairy industry that produces milk for both human consumption and cheese production. The county has several dairies, including Dairyland Cooperative Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Board of America, and South Plains Creamery Company. Livestock raising includes beef cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, poultry, rabbits, turkeys, bees, and fish. 

In addition to agriculture, there are oil wells throughout the county. Oil exploration began in the early 1900s but was not commercially successful until after World War II when new technology allowed more efficient drilling techniques. Although oil production declined during the 1980s due to low prices, it increased again in 2000 as demand rose from China and India.  

Oilfield services companies have established offices in Odessa and Midland, providing equipment rental, repair, maintenance, and training. Other industries include manufacturing plants producing chemicals, plastics, metal products, glassware, lumber, paper products, machinery parts, food processing, and textiles. 

All these employ the citizens of Garza county, thus promoting the economy. 

Towns and Cities in Garza County 

There are two major towns in Garza County. These include Post and Southland. Post was founded by John W. Collins, who came to this area from Kentucky around 1845. He settled on land that he had bought for $1 an acre.  

This land became known as “Post” after his name. In 1849, the first schoolhouse was built at what would become the center of town. It was named the “Old School House.” By 1860 about 100 people were living here.  

During the Civil War, a Confederate soldier camped out near the old schoolhouse. After the war ended, the soldiers left, but the community continued to grow. A new school building was constructed in 1870. At one time, it housed grades 1-12. Today only grade 6 remains. There is also a cemetery where many of the early settlers rest. 

The second town in Garza County is called Southland, founded in 1890 when the railroad arrived. Originally called “Southside,” then changed to its current name. The population has grown steadily since then.  

Many businesses have been established, including a bank, grocery store, gas station/convenience store, hardware store, auto parts shop, barbershop, restaurant, pharmacy, doctor’s office, funeral home, beauty parlor, real estate agency, insurance company, etc. 

Other Cities and Towns in Garza County  

Bastrop – Located just south of Southland along US Highway 90. Bastrop is the largest city in Garza County, with over 10,000 residents. 

Hondo – Located north of Southland off I-10. Hondo is the location of the famous Battle of Antelope Hills, which took place during the Mexican American War. 

County Offices in Garza 

Lee Norman supervises the County Judge’s office. His role is to provide support for the elected officials and staff of the court system and other departments within the county government. Contact them at 806-495-4405 or [email protected]. 

The County Clerk’s office is under Jim Plummer. The office helps with voter registration, marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates. Contact them at 806-495-4430. 

Nancy Wallace supervises the County Tax Assessor Office. You can contact them with issues regarding property tax assessments. Call 806-495-4448. 

Sheriff Terry Morgan heads up the sheriff’s office. The office’s role is to protect citizens from crime and enforce laws. They also have a jail that houses inmates awaiting trial or those who are being held on bond. If you need help, call their number at 806-495-3595 OR 806-990-9959. 

The County Treasurer’s Office is under LuAnne Terry. Her role is to collect taxes and manage funds. Contact the office at 806/495-4422. 

The Emergency Management Office is under Michael Isbell. The office’s role is to prepare for disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. They will assist residents if needed. Their phone number is 806-990-9970.