Red River County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2020 United States Census, the county had a population of 12,086. The county seat and largest municipality is the town of Clarksville. The county was established in 1837 and is named for the Red River, which forms its northern boundary with the state of Oklahoma.
Geography
- Total area: 1,054 square miles (2,730 km²)
- Land area: 1,034 square miles (2,680 km²)
- Water area: 20 square miles (52 km²), accounting for approximately 1.9 % of the total area.
- Location: The county lies in the Texoma region, bordering Oklahoma to the north. Adjacent Texas counties are Grayson County (north), Cooke County (northwest), Fannin County (west), Hunt County (south), and Delta County (east).
- Major waterways: The Red River forms the northern border; several smaller streams and creeks drain the interior.
History
Red River County was organized in 1837, one year after the Republic of Texas established its present county system. The county’s early economy was based on agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation and livestock grazing. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century facilitated trade and contributed to modest population growth.
Demographics (2020 Census)
- Population: 12,086
- Racial and ethnic composition: Approximately 74 % White (non‑Hispanic), 14 % Black or African American, 8 % Hispanic or Latino of any race, and the remainder comprising Native American, Asian, and other groups.
- Household information: The county had about 4,600 households, with an average household size of 2.55 persons.
- Economic indicators: Median household income was roughly $46,000; per capita income was about $23,000. The poverty rate stood near 15 % of the population.
Economy
The economy remains largely rural and agriculture‑focused, with cattle ranching, hay production, and poultry farming as primary activities. Timber harvesting and modest oil and natural gas extraction also contribute to local employment. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in Clarksville and other small towns.
Government
Red River County is governed by a commissioners’ court consisting of a county judge and four commissioners, each elected from precincts. The county government is responsible for law enforcement, road maintenance, public health, and other local services. The Red River County Sheriff's Office provides policing for unincorporated areas.
Education
Public education is administered by several independent school districts, including:
- Red River Independent School District (serving Clarksville)
- Harmony Independent School District
- Ladonia Independent School District
The county falls within the service area of Texarkana College, a community college that offers vocational and academic programs to residents.
Transportation
- U.S. Highway 82 traverses the county east‑west.
- U.S. Highway 271 runs north‑south, connecting the county seat with Texarkana to the southeast.
- State Highway 37 also provides regional access.
- No major airports are located within the county; the nearest commercial service airport is Texarkana Regional Airport in neighboring Bowie County, Arkansas.
Communities
- Clarksville (county seat)
- Floydada (not to be confused with Floydada in Swisher County) – small unincorporated community
- Hughes Springs – unincorporated community
- Ladonia – incorporated town
- Additional unincorporated communities include Corley, Huntsville, and others.
Notable People
- John H. D. "Jack" C. Glover (1901–1979), Texas legislator and former member of the Texas House of Representatives, was born in Clarksville.
- E. L. "Buddy" Boles, a noted former Texas State Senator, hailed from Red River County.
Points of Interest
- Red River County Courthouse, a historic building in Clarksville listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Caddo Lake State Park, located partially within the county, offers recreational opportunities and preserves the region’s natural wetland ecosystem.
References
Data are derived from the United States Census Bureau, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Historical Commission, and official county records.