A Town Elected a Goat as Mayor (Lajitas, Texas), who won several terms

A Town Elected a Goat as Mayor (Lajitas, Texas), who won several terms

Introduction to Lajitas, Texas – A Town of Quirky Charm

Lajitas, Texas, is a small unincorporated community situated in Brewster County, in the rugged and scenic landscapes of West Texas. Nestled along the Rio Grande and surrounded by vast desert and mountain terrain, the village is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

The area was historically inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Apache, and later saw settlers and ranchers contributing to its development. Over the years, Lajitas remained a small, quiet community, famous for its remote location, scenic vistas, and proximity to Big Bend National Park—a significant attraction for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lajitas’s population has always been modest; it has never numbered more than a few hundred residents. Its economy primarily centered around ranching, tourism, and outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting. Despite its small size, Lajitas became internationally known for an unlikely, humorous, and heartwarming story: the election of a goat as mayor.

The Origins of the Lajitas Goat Mayor

The story of Clay Henry—the goat who became mayor—began in the early 1980s, a time when local residents and business owners sought a quirky way to promote tourism and attract attention to this remote corner of Texas.

In 1984, the Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa was established, transforming the area into a luxury destination for tourists. To draw more visitors and boost community spirit, the resort staff and locals devised a humorous promotion: holding an election for a mayor, but with a twist—candidates would be animals, not humans.

This idea was partly inspired by similar small-town contests and a tradition of humorous elections in rural communities across the United States. The town’s residents thought it would be a charming, attention-grabbing stunt, adding a splash of humor and whimsy to their otherwise quiet town. The "candidates" included dogs, cats, and goats, all of whom were locally famous or readily available.

Among these contenders, Clay Henry, a goat owned by a local rancher named Gordon Cummings, was particularly popular. Clay Henry was a sturdy, charismatic goat, well-known among locals and tourists for his calm demeanor and friendly disposition. The community rallied behind him, and the election became a fun and lively event.

Clay Henry’s Election and First Term

In 1985, Clay Henry officially "ran" for mayor of Lajitas. The election was a humorous spectacle—locals and tourists cast votes using tokens or simply through a show of hands. The event drew a large crowd of spectators, both locals and visitors, eager to witness the amusing spectacle.

Much to everyone's surprise, Clay Henry won the election by a landslide. His victory was celebrated with local festivities, and the town officially declared him the "mayor." Of course, a goat cannot hold office in the traditional sense, but in Lajitas, the role of mayor was symbolic—an ambassador for the community and a mascot for tourism.

Clay Henry held his first term as mayor from 1985 to 1990. During this period, the goat made appearances at local events, greeted visitors, and symbolized the town’s quirky spirit. The resort and community owners used his image in promotional materials, postcards, and advertisements, boosting tourism significantly.

The local newspaper, "The Brewster County Post," published humorous columns about Clay Henry’s "mayoral duties," and the town’s Facebook page, long before social media's rise, showcased photos of the goat overseeing town activities.

Re-elections and continued popularity

Clay Henry’s popularity persisted over the years. In 1992, amid renewed enthusiasm for local traditions and tourism, he was re-elected to serve a second term. His election was again marked by community celebrations, parades, and public appearances.

During his second stint as mayor, Clay Henry attended various local events, including rodeos and town festivals. Visitors from across the country traveled to Lajitas expressly to see the famous goat mayor. The town embraced its reputation as a “quirkiest town” in Texas, and Clay Henry’s image became synonymous with the community's identity.

Remarkably, Clay Henry continued to be re-elected into the late 1990s. Each new term reinforced the town’s reputation as a place that didn’t take itself too seriously but genuinely celebrated its unique character. The community saw the election of the goat mayor as a symbol of resilience, humor, and town pride.

While Clay Henry did not hold any official political power, his role as mayor was symbolic and promotional. His presence helped boost local tourism, especially at the Lajitas Golf Resort, which adopted his image for marketing and branding.

The goat’s “mayoral” tenure brought in numerous visitors, generated media coverage, and helped establish Lajitas as a fun and unusual destination in Texas. The story of a goat mayor garnered attention from newspapers, magazines, and even television programs, placing this small, remote town in the national spotlight.

This quirky tradition highlighted an essential truth about small-town America: community spirit, humor, and creativity can be powerful tools for growth and identity. Clay Henry, in his own way, became a symbol of the whimsical, welcoming charm that characterizes many rural communities.

Transition and the End of the Goat’s Mayoral Terms

As the 2000s approached, changes in tourism dynamics, ownership of local businesses, and shifts in community priorities led to a quiet end for Clay Henry’s political career. In 2007, the owners of the Lajitas Golf Resort announced that Clay Henry's term as mayor was concluded.

By then, Clay Henry had become a beloved local legend and an icon in Texas. Although he no longer held the title officially, his image continued to adorn T-shirts, postcards, and souvenirs. Locals fondly recalled his long service and the joyful spirit he embodied.

In subsequent years, the tradition of electing animals as mascots or honorary mayors persisted in some Texas towns, but none achieved the legendary status of Clay Henry in Lajitas. That story remains a charming chapter in the town’s history—a testament to how a simple idea and community humor can have lasting impact.

Today, the story of Clay Henry serves as a reminder of the power of community, humor, and creative marketing. It has inspired other towns and organizations seeking to embellish local traditions and draw tourists through unique, eye-catching attractions.

Lajitas continues to thrive as a tourist destination, with its quirky history often highlighted in promotional materials. Visitors often inquire about Clay Henry’s legacy, and some arrive specifically to take photos with a statue of the goat or to visit the site where he was “mayor.”

The story encapsulates a broader idea that sometimes, community pride and humor are as valuable as economic development efforts. Clay Henry exemplifies how a simple act—electing a goat for fun—can put a small town on the map and promote unity and regional identity.

Though many years have passed since Clay Henry's last “term,” his story endures as a heartwarming legend. It illustrates that a community’s collective imagination can transform even the smallest stories into cultural touchstones. His influence persists in local folklore, and his memory continues to bring smiles to those who hear it.

In a world increasingly saturated with digital images and social media, stories like Clay Henry’s remind us of the timeless appeal of humor, originality, and community spirit. Lajitas and its goat mayor exemplify that sometimes, the simplest ideas—like voting for a goat—can generate the most enduring legacy.