Jeff Davis County, Texas
Jeff Davis County lies in the heart of far West Texas, surrounded by wide-open skies and rugged mountain scenery. Fort Davis, the county seat, is home to one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest.
The McDonald Observatory atop Mount Locke draws stargazers from all over. With the area’s dark skies, the Milky Way can put on an incredible show on clear nights. The views from the mountains are just as impressive.
Ranching remains an important part of life here, with cattle ranches stretching across the countryside. The Davis Mountains dominate the landscape, while hiking trails provide plenty of opportunities to explore. Wildlife is plentiful, too. Jeff Davis County is one of the least populated counties in Texas, but its stunning natural scenery more than makes up for the lack of crowds.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Jeff Davis County |
| County Seat | Fort Davis |
| Population | Approximately 2,200 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Fort Davis, Valentine |
| Interstates and Highways | State Highway 17, State Highway 118 |
| FIPS Code | 48-243 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,265 square miles (2,265 sq mi land, <1 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Reeves County (North), Pecos County (North), Brewster County (Southeast), Presidio County (South), Hudspeth County (Northwest), Culberson County (North) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°36’N, 103°53’W |
| Etymology | Named after Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War |
| Major Landmarks | Davis Mountains State Park, McDonald Observatory, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center |
