About Pecos County, Texas
The area is named for the Pecos River, which flows along the northern boundary of the county. Pecos County land has short and sparse grasses with desert scrubs and cacti. Deer, foxes, ring-tailed cats, sandhill cranes, doves, and ducks are some of the animals that roam the area. The agricultural sector of the county's economy revolves primarily around sheep ranching; cattle, angora goats, and hogs are also raised in the area. Since the 1920s, however, oil and gas production have dominated the local economy. In 1990 26,650,000 barrels of crude oil were produced in the county; by January 1, 1991, almost 1,505,424,000 barrels of crude had been produced in the area since 1926. In 1952 the largest gas field in the county was opened on the M. C. Puckett and Son Ranch, south of Fort Stockton.
Fort_Stockton, the county seat, is seventy-five air miles southwest of Odessa. In addition to its irrigated agriculture and extensive ranches, it had become a major tourism center due to Historic Fort Stockton and Comanche Springs. Fort Stockton historic site includes the remains of the old fort that is located on the east side of town and consists of original and reconstructed military buildings, including Officers' Row, Guardhouse, and Enlisted Men's Barracks. The area also boasts a Coliseum & Civic Center, that provide activities such as rodeos and roping competitions weekly. The area also features an 18 Hole Municipal Golf Course and Ste. Genevieve Winery, the largest and fastest growing of the states wineries.