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Physical Features: On Gulf Coastal Plain; drained by Brazos, San Bernard rivers; Smithers Lake; level to rolling; rich alluvial soils.

Economy: Agribusiness, petrochemicals, technology, government/services; many residents work in Houston.

History: Karankawas retreated to Mexico by 1850s. Named for river bend where some of Austin’s colonists settled in 1824 and built a blockhouse for protection against Indians. Antebellum plantations made it one of six Texas counties with black majority in 1850. County created 1837 from Austin County; organized 1838.

Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 36.08; Black, 20.67; Hispanic, 24.18; Asian, 17.27; Other, 1.80.

 Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 7,840; deaths, 2,311; marriages, 2,650; divorces, 1,629.

Recreation: Many historic sites, museums, memorials, parks; George Ranch historical park; state park with George Observatory; fishing, waterfowl hunting.

Minerals: Oil, gas, sulphur, salt, clays, sand and gravel.

Agriculture: Nursery crops, cotton, sorghum, corn, hay, cattle, horses; irrigation for rice. Market value $94.5 million.

RICHMOND (11,679) county seat; foundry; University of Houston branch, Wharton County Junior College branch; Richmond State supported-living center, hospital.

SUGAR LAND (78,817) government/services, prisons, commuting to Houston; hospitals; University of Houston branch; Museum of Southern History.

MISSOURI CITY (67,358, part [5,603] in Harris County) hospital.

ROSENBERG (30,618) varied industry, railroad museum.

Other towns include: Arcola (1,642); Beasley (641); Cinco Ranch (18,274); Fairchilds (923); Fresno (19,069); Fulshear (1,134); Guy (239); Katy (14,102, mostly in Harris County) hospital; Kendleton (380); Meadows Place (4,660); Mission Bend (36,501).

Also, Needville (2,823); New Territory (15,186); Orchard (352); Pecan Grove (15,963); Pleak (1,044); Simonton (814); Stafford (17,693, partly in Harris County); Thompsons (246); Weston Lakes (2,482).

Also, part [38,124] of Houston.

The city hall of Sugar Land.