Region: Panhandle Plains
This "Mural Capital of Texas" is the county seat of Stephens County.
Breckenridge was established in 1876, with the population jumping from 1,500 to
30,000 in 12 months during the great 1920s oil boom, with hundreds of oil
derricks sprouting within the city limits making it rich with oil history.
Original brick streets still welcome visitors to the historic downtown area
built in the 1920s. Remnants of this boom time, original red brick and native
sandstone buildings line Walker Street and play host to a variety of antique and
eclectic gift shops. The Stephens County Courthouse, which is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, is in the heart of downtown and is one of
28 historical markers in the county. A Texas Main Street City since 1997,
Breckenridge has also qualified for National Main Street designation.
Presently, the economy is based on ranching, oil and gas, manufacturing and
industries. Home of Texas State Technical College–West Texas, Breckenridge
Campus.
The area is prime for hunting white-tailed deer, feral hogs, wild turkey,
quail and mourning dove, as well as excellent fishing in local lakes. Other
sports opportunities include water skiing, boating, jet skiing, sailing,
camping, hiking, sailing, swimming and scuba diving. For the bird watcher, the
area offers a variety of bird species.