Cities and Towns in Brewster County, Texas

Founded in 1887, Brewster County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Brewster County was formed from Presidio County. The city of Alpine is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Brewster County has a population of 9,450 and area of 6,193 square miles (16,040 km²).

List of all cities in Brewster County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Alpine, TX 79830 432
79831 432
79832 432
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834 432
Lajitas, TX 79852 432
Marathon, TX 79842 432
Sul Ross, TX 79832 432
Terlingua, TX 79852 432

Major Cities and Towns in Brewster County, Texas

Alpine

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 2.4 square miles
  • Population: 6,000+
  • Zip Codes: 79830
  • Latitude: 30.3584° N
  • Longitude: 103.6650° W

Location and History:

Alpine is a small city located in the western part of Brewster County, Texas, nestled in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. The city lies along the Texas Highway 90, approximately 90 miles north of the Mexican border and 60 miles from the Big Bend National Park. Alpine’s history dates back to the 1880s when it was established as a railroad town. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad played a crucial role in the city’s development, making it an important shipping hub for the region’s agricultural products, especially cattle and wool. Alpine’s proximity to the Davis Mountains and its role as a crossroads for travelers made it a central point in the region. Over time, Alpine evolved from a railroad town into a gateway to the Big Bend area, with tourism playing an increasingly important role in its economy. As the county seat of Brewster County, Alpine serves as a regional center for business, government, and culture. Today, it retains its historical charm with its 19th-century architecture, and it is known for its vibrant arts community, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, drawing tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Alpine is served by the Alpine Independent School District (ISD), which includes Alpine High School, Alpine Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its excellent academic programs and emphasis on community involvement. Alpine also benefits from the presence of Sul Ross State University, which is a public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, and it serves as a cultural and educational hub for the area. Key landmarks in Alpine include the Museum of the Big Bend, which showcases the history and culture of the Big Bend region, and the historic downtown district, which features a collection of early 20th-century buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Davis Mountains State Park, which offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while Big Bend National Park is a short drive away, offering some of the most stunning desert landscapes and rugged terrain in the United States. Alpine’s scenic location, educational institutions, and cultural offerings make it a unique town in west Texas.

Marathon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 1.4 square miles
  • Population: 400+
  • Zip Codes: 79842
  • Latitude: 30.1942° N
  • Longitude: 103.2449° W

Location and History:

Marathon is a small town located in southern Brewster County, Texas, situated about 30 miles north of Big Bend National Park. Marathon has a rich history tied to the expansion of the railroad system in the late 19th century. Established in 1882 as a railroad stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad line, it became an important shipping point for cattle, cotton, and other products. The town was named after the Marathon Oil Company, which had significant oil interests in the region during the early 20th century. However, despite its early promise as a transportation and oil hub, Marathon never grew into a large city, remaining a small rural community throughout the 20th century. Today, Marathon is known for its rural charm, historical significance, and proximity to some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the United States. Its economy is now driven primarily by tourism, with visitors attracted to nearby Big Bend National Park and the town’s quiet, small-town atmosphere. Marathon offers a glimpse into the rugged, historic West Texas lifestyle and serves as a quiet retreat for travelers.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Marathon is served by the Marathon Independent School District, which includes Marathon High School and Marathon Elementary School. The school district offers small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, with a focus on community involvement. Marathon’s landmarks include the Marathon Depot, a historical railroad station that has been preserved as a reminder of the town’s early history as a railroad stop. The Gage Hotel, built in the early 20th century, is another prominent landmark, offering a glimpse into the luxury accommodations of the past and serving as a popular spot for visitors. The town is also located near Big Bend National Park, one of the largest and most remote national parks in the United States, known for its rugged mountains, desert landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The Marathon Basin, with its unique desert scenery, provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The town’s tranquil, remote setting makes it a popular destination for those seeking solitude and a connection to nature.

Study Butte

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 2.1 square miles
  • Population: 500+
  • Zip Codes: 79830
  • Latitude: 29.3094° N
  • Longitude: 103.2497° W

Location and History:

Study Butte is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Brewster County, Texas, just north of Big Bend National Park. It sits at the foot of Study Butte, a distinctive mesa that is a prominent feature of the region’s rugged landscape. Study Butte was initially established as a support community for the workers who were building the Rio Grande Southern Railroad in the early 20th century, though the railroad was never completed. Over time, the area became a ranching and mining community, with a focus on sheep and cattle farming. The town’s history is intrinsically linked to the mining boom in the area during the late 1800s, particularly silver and other minerals. Today, Study Butte remains a small, remote community, often considered a gateway to Big Bend National Park. The town’s economy is based primarily on tourism, with many visitors using Study Butte as a base for exploring Big Bend’s hiking, camping, and scenic beauty. The town’s isolation and proximity to the park make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of West Texas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Study Butte does not have its own school district, and children typically attend schools in nearby Alpine or other surrounding towns. The closest schools include Alpine High School and Alpine Middle School, both part of the Alpine Independent School District. Study Butte’s landmarks are closely tied to its location near Big Bend National Park, one of the most popular natural destinations in the country. The Big Bend Scenic Byway, which passes through Study Butte, offers stunning views of the park’s rugged mountains, desert landscapes, and the Rio Grande River. The Terlingua Ghost Town, located nearby, is another historical landmark that attracts visitors interested in West Texas history, offering a glimpse of a once-thriving mining town now preserved as a ghost town. Study Butte also offers easy access to hiking trails, wildlife watching, and stargazing, making it a perfect base for adventurers seeking to explore one of the most remote and scenic areas in the United States.

Terlingua

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 10.5 square miles
  • Population: 300+
  • Zip Codes: 79852
  • Latitude: 29.1982° N
  • Longitude: 103.6412° W

Location and History:

Terlingua is a small, unincorporated community located in the far western part of Brewster County, Texas, just outside of Big Bend National Park. Originally founded in the late 1800s as a mining town, Terlingua was a major producer of mercury, which was used in the extraction of gold and silver. At its peak in the early 20th century, Terlingua was a bustling town with a thriving economy based on the mercury mines. However, as the mercury mines depleted and the industry declined, the town’s population dwindled, and by the 1940s, Terlingua had become a ghost town. In the 1970s, artists and musicians began to settle in Terlingua, and the town experienced a small resurgence as a haven for creative types and those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle. Today, Terlingua is known for its artistic community, historical sites, and proximity to Big Bend National Park. It has become a popular stop for visitors to the park, who are drawn to its rustic charm, desert landscapes, and rich history.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Terlingua is served by the Terlingua Independent School District, which operates Terlingua Elementary School and Terlingua High School. The small size of the school district means close-knit, personalized education for students. Major landmarks in Terlingua include the Terlingua Ghost Town, which attracts visitors with its abandoned buildings, old mercury mines, and remnants of the town’s once-thriving mining industry. The Starlight Theatre, originally a theater from the town’s mining days, is now a popular restaurant and cultural venue where live music and performances take place. The Big Bend National Park is a major draw, offering visitors access to rugged mountain trails, desert landscapes, and the Rio Grande River. Terlingua is also home to the Chili Cookoff, an annual event that celebrates chili, one of Texas’s favorite dishes, drawing competitors and visitors from all over the country. The small community offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for tourists exploring the Big Bend region.