Mertzon, TX

Mertzon is Irion County's seat, a West Texas city of 747 residents in the 2020 census, 26 miles southwest of San Angelo on Spring Creek, U.S. 67, and the former Santa Fe rail line. Its post office opened in 1908, and the town took the name of M. L. Mertz, a San Angelo banker and Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway director. Rail service began in 1911, helping Mertzon draw businesses and become the county's largest town.

Ranching and warehousing set the local rhythm, with cattle, sheep, goats, farm fields, and later oil discoveries shaping the wider Irion County economy. Mertzon incorporated in 1933 and won the county-seat contest with Sherwood in 1936. Irion County Independent School District serves the town, with Irion County High School and its Hornets close to the center; the county also falls within the service area of Howard County Junior College District. Main roads, school, courthouse, and ranch country give Mertzon the working outline of a West Texas county seat.