Brewster County, Texas
8 local notes for Brewster County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Big Bend / Far West.
Money & Taxes
Home & Property
Water / Wells
Private wells in Brewster County fall under a local water district
The Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District manages well permits and water use. Four aquifers supply groundwater across the county.
Water / Drought
Drought is a recurring reality in Brewster County
Brewster County's dry climate means drought is a constant concern. It affects livestock, well water, and fire risk across this rural county.
Outdoors
National Park
Big Bend National Park occupies a large part of Brewster County
Big Bend National Park covers 801,163 acres entirely within Brewster County and protects the largest stretch of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.
State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park: Texas's largest state park straddles two counties
Big Bend Ranch State Park covers roughly 310,000 acres across southwestern Brewster County and southeastern Presidio County, with 238 miles of trails and International Dark Sky Park status.
Rules & Licenses
History & Culture
History / Mining
Terlingua's mercury mines drove Brewster County's early economy
The Chisos Mining Company at Terlingua was once a major U.S. mercury producer. When it collapsed, it left behind what is now called Terlingua Ghost Town.
History / Historic District
Alpine's downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2026
Alpine's downtown was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in spring 2026. The district spans about 40 blocks and includes nearly 300 buildings and sites near the Union Pacific tracks.