Oil put Stephens County on the map. It sits in north central Texas, where the Cross Timbers blend into the Rolling Plains. Breckenridge, the county seat, has experienced plenty of boom-and-bust years over time. Old pump jacks still dot the landscape, reminders of the county’s oil-patch past.

Hubbard Creek Lake is a popular place for fishing, boating, and enjoying the outdoors. The county was named after Alexander Stephens, though these days most locals probably don’t think much about the name. Ranching remains an important part of the local economy, keeping the area’s rural traditions alive.

Winters can be surprisingly cold here, and ice storms aren’t unusual. Long before oil and ranching, the Caddo lived across this region. Today, Stephens County has a laid-back, small-town Texas feel, where wide-open spaces, working ranches, and local history are all part of everyday life.