Terlingua
State: Texas
County: Brewster County
Founded: 1880s
Peak Population: 2,000-3,000
Terlingua was the third-largest mercury producer in the US. The Chisos Mining Company dominated until bankruptcy in 1942. The ghost town was revived by the famous 1967 Terlingua Chili Cook-Off—a publicity stunt by Frank Tolbert, Wick Fowler, and Carroll Shelby that became an annual tradition.
Quick Facts
- Third-largest mercury producer in the United States
- Revived by a chili cook-off publicity stunt in 1967
- Carroll Shelby (of Cobra fame) was a cook-off organizer
- Two competing chili cook-offs now held annually
Location
Address: Terlingua, Brewster County, Texas
Coordinates: 29.3206, -103.6061