Stephens County, County administration center in Breckenridge, Texas, United States
Stephens County is an administrative division in north central Texas occupying roughly 920 square miles (2,400 square kilometers) of plateau terrain. The land rises between 1,000 and 1,600 feet (305-490 meters) in elevation and is cut through by the Clear Fork of the Brazos River.
The Texas legislature created this territory in 1858 under the name Buchanan County, then changed the name to Stephens County three years later. The 1861 renaming honored Alexander Stephens, who served as Vice President of the Confederate States.
The county remains deeply rooted in ranching culture, and this way of life shapes how the landscape looks today. When you travel through the area, you see cattle herds and ranch operations that reflect what has always mattered most to people here.
The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures stay mild and travel conditions are easiest across the landscape. Plan ahead on what you want to see since the county covers considerable ground and you will need your own transportation to move around.
Several distinctive mountain peaks shape the visual landscape, including Gunsight Mountain, Double Mountain, and Evans Peak. These natural landmarks remain visible from many spots throughout the county and help orient visitors as they explore the plateau.
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