Val Verde County

Val Verde County, meaning “green valley” in Spanish, was named after a Civil War battle. It was officially established in 1885 from land originally part of Crockett, Kinney, and Pecos counties.

The county seat, Del Rio, was first settled around 1807 when a Catholic priest established a mission along San Felipe Creek. However, this early settlement was soon abandoned due to conflicts with Native Americans. The area remained unoccupied until 1868, when a farming community developed along the creek. This settlement was originally known as San Felipe but was renamed Del Rio in 1885 when the county was organized.

Covering 3,144.75 square miles, Val Verde County features rolling hills, brushland, and river valleys. The Devils, Pecos, and Rio Grande rivers all flow through the county and feed into the Amistad Reservoir located at the southern tip.

The average annual rainfall is 18.2 inches. The region experiences hot summers and mild winters, making it well-suited for livestock production. Agriculture in the county primarily focuses on sheep, goats, and cattle. Hunting is also a major contributor to the local economy.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Val Verde County has a population of 47,564.

Recreational opportunities in the area include access to Mexico, deer hunting, fishing, activities on Amistad Lake, and visits to two state parks. Notable sites include the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry and two golf courses. Other communities within the county include Comstock, Langtry, Juno, Pandale, Carta Valley, and Loma Alta.