Terry County sits on the South Plains of West Texas. It started as a rugged frontier and has grown into a leading agricultural area. The county was established in 1876, officially organized in 1904. The county is named for Frank Terry, a well-known Texas Ranger and Confederate colonel.
At first, the area was open rangeland where nomadic Comanche hunters lived. Later, large cattle ranches took over. When the railroad arrived in the early 1900s, it changed the local economy. New settlers found the county’s sandy loam soil and the Ogallala Aquifer perfect for irrigation and farming. Brownfield became the county seat and soon turned into the main center for local business.
Today, the county is still known for farming, but it has also grown in new ways. Called the “Grape Capital of Texas” because its high elevation, hot days, and cool nights help grow grapes for Texas wineries. The grape industry is thriving alongside traditional crops. Terry County is still one of the top cotton producers in the country.
Terry County combines strong farming with a peaceful rural way of life. The community faces challenges such as dwindling groundwater and the ups and downs of farm income, but people here blend tradition with new agricultural ideas. Local festivals honor both the old cotton harvest and the new wine industry, attracting visitors and helping Terry County stay important to the Texas economy.
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