Cities and Towns in Presidio County, Texas
Founded in 1850, Presidio County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Presidio County was formed from Santa Fe County. The city of Marfa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 377, Presidio County has a population of 6,140 and area of 3,856 square miles (9,987 km²).
List of all cities in Presidio County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Marfa, TX | 79843 | 432 |
| Presidio, TX | 79845 | 432 |
| 79846 | 432 | |
| Redford, TX | 79846 | 432 |
| Shafter, TX | 79843 | 432 |
| Valentine, TX | 79854 | 432 |
Major Cities and Towns in Presidio County, Texas
Presidio
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 4,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79845
- Latitude: 29.5509° N
- Longitude: 104.3800° W
Location and History
Presidio is the county seat of Presidio County and is located in the southwestern corner of Texas, right along the Rio Grande River, which serves as the natural border with Mexico. The town has a deep history that dates back to Spanish colonial times. Originally, it was a military settlement established in 1683, under the name “San Elizario del Presidio.” Its name, “Presidio,” comes from the Spanish term for a fortified military post, reflecting the town’s role in the defense of Spanish Texas. The town’s strategic location along the Rio Grande made it an important trade and military post in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the years, Presidio has served various roles, including as a major point for international trade between Mexico and the United States. During the 19th century, it was a part of the U.S. frontier and was essential to trade and military movements. Today, Presidio is a small but vibrant community that maintains its historical significance, with many residents working in agriculture, trade, and tourism. The town’s border location gives it a unique cultural blend, influenced by both American and Mexican traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Presidio is served by the Presidio Independent School District, which includes Presidio High School, a key institution in the area offering a well-rounded education with a focus on both academics and athletics. The district is central to the community, and local schools play an essential role in shaping the town’s social fabric. Presidio also offers several landmarks that celebrate its cultural and historical heritage. The Presidio County Courthouse, a beautiful historic building, is an iconic landmark in the town, reflecting its rich history. The Fort Leaton State Historic Site, located just outside of town, preserves the remnants of an old adobe fort from the 1840s and offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s military past. The Rio Grande River is another prominent feature of the town, providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Presidio is also known for the impressive international bridge connecting it to Ojinaga, Mexico, which reflects the town’s deep historical and cultural ties to its Mexican counterpart. Visitors and residents enjoy the town’s blend of historic architecture, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking along the river.
Marfa
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 1,800 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79843
- Latitude: 30.2980° N
- Longitude: 104.0200° W
Location and History
Marfa is a small town located in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas, about 70 miles from the Mexican border and nestled at the base of the Chinati Mountains. The town was originally founded as a railroad water stop in the late 19th century, and it was named after the daughter of a railroad official. Marfa became an important stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad, which fueled its growth as a trading post and ranching hub. In the 20th century, Marfa underwent a transformation, largely due to the arrival of artists and creatives. In the 1970s, the artist Donald Judd moved to Marfa and began transforming the town into an art mecca. His efforts, and those of other artists, led to the establishment of the Chinati Foundation, which is dedicated to contemporary art and has played a crucial role in making Marfa known internationally as an art destination. While Marfa’s economy has shifted from ranching to tourism and arts, it has retained much of its historic charm, including its old adobe buildings and wide-open landscapes, which attract visitors from around the world seeking both inspiration and solitude.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marfa is served by the Marfa Independent School District, which includes Marfa High School. The school district, though small, provides strong academic and extracurricular programs that support the town’s youth. Marfa is also home to several cultural landmarks and institutions, most notably the Chinati Foundation, an internationally renowned contemporary art museum that houses large-scale installations from artists like Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, and John Chamberlain. Other key cultural attractions include the Marfa Theatre, the Presidio County Courthouse, and the historic Marfa Public Library. The Marfa Lights Viewing Area is another famous spot, where visitors often gather to try and catch a glimpse of the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon that has been attracting attention for over a century. The town also boasts stunning desert landscapes, with the nearby Big Bend National Park and the Chinati Mountains providing ample opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and outdoor exploration. Marfa’s unique blend of art, history, and natural beauty makes it a distinctive and culturally rich destination, drawing tourists and artists alike to its remote yet vibrant atmosphere.
Shafter
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 30 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 79843
- Latitude: 29.3530° N
- Longitude: 104.3420° W
Location and History
Shafter is a historic ghost town located in the western part of Presidio County, Texas. The town was established in the late 1800s as a mining community, specifically for silver and other minerals. Its peak period of growth occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when silver mining was at its height. The town’s name comes from a local mine operator, William Shafter, who played a major role in the area’s early development. By the 1940s, the mines were largely depleted, and the town began to experience a steady decline in population. Today, Shafter is considered a ghost town, though it still attracts visitors with an interest in its history and the remnants of its mining past. The town’s historical importance, particularly during the silver boom, remains evident in the old mining structures and the surrounding landscape. Despite its small population today, Shafter is a testament to the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped many of Texas’ rural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shafter no longer has active schools or public services, as it has become a largely abandoned town. However, it is located near the Rio Grande and is part of the historical and natural landscape that makes Presidio County unique. One of Shafter’s key landmarks is the old mining buildings, many of which are still standing despite years of neglect. The ruins of the Shafter mine, with its crumbling walls and rusted equipment, provide a haunting reminder of the town’s once-thriving industry. Nearby, the Shafter Cemetery marks the final resting place of many of the town’s early residents. For those interested in the history of mining in the region, Shafter offers a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that shaped the development of the Texas borderlands. Additionally, the surrounding desert and mountain terrain, which once supported the town’s mining activities, now attract outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs who come to explore the ghost town and the rugged beauty of the area.