In the remote stretches of West Texas, along the Rio Grande and just a short drive from Big Bend National Park, a town is famous for its unusual political tradition: the Lajitas, Texas, goat mayor. Not just any goat, but a lineage of beer-drinking goats named Clay Henry.
The tradition began in 1986, when the original Clay Henry won a mock election against a wooden cigar store Indian and a dog named Buster, instantly putting Lajitas on the map as one of the quirkiest towns in Texas.
Lajitas, Texas, goat mayor comes from a long line of tradition
Clay Henry (the first) was a local celebrity, often spotted sipping Lone Star beer at the Lajitas Trading Post while visitors looked on in disbelief and amusement. He quickly became the face—or perhaps the horns—of the town, charming tourists, filmmakers, and television crews alike.
Tragically, the reign of Clay Henry I ended in 1992 when a territorial scuffle with his son resulted in his death. Like a page ripped from a current newspaper, apparently the two fell in love with the same gal. Not missing a beat, Clay Henry II took over, continuing the family tradition of mayoral mischief and beer appreciation.
Third mayor suffers a loss over Sunday drinking
The saga continued with Clay Henry III, elected in 2000. His tenure wasn’t without drama: In 2001, he suffered a run-in with a local resident who castrated him over a Sunday beer. Apparently, the perpetrator felt the mayor’s beer imbibing was violation of local blue laws. Miraculously, Clay Henry III survived and continued to delight visitors with his antics, proving that in Lajitas, beer and stubborn goats are an unstoppable combination.
Today, Clay Henry IV carries on the tradition. He resides in a pen near the Lajitas General Store, where RV travelers and road-trippers can drop 50 cents for a handful of pellets and say hello to the mayor himself. His presence adds a touch of whimsy to the town, and for many RVers, it’s a must-see stop on a Big Bend adventure. Some say this latest mayor might be more palatable to “teetotalers” as he’s not a beer drinker.
Lajitas – not just a scenic pit stop
For RVers cruising through the Lone Star State, Lajitas is more than just a scenic pit stop—it’s a reminder that the road is full of unexpected delights. Between panoramic desert views, starry night skies, and a mayor who prefers beer (or not) over ballots, Lajitas perfectly captures the offbeat spirit of West Texas.
The town even offers a small RV parking area near the general store, making it easy for travelers to stretch their legs, snap photos with Clay Henry IV, and explore the surrounding desert landscape.
Many RVers combine this stop with a visit to nearby Big Bend National Park or Terlingua Ghost Town, making it a fun addition to a multi-day adventure in the region.
The town’s unusual political system might make some scratch their heads. But for those rolling in RVs looking for charm, character, and a story worth telling back home, Lajitas delivers in spades—or perhaps, in hoofbeats. After all, it’s not every day you meet a mayor who might raise a toast—or a pellet—with you before you head back out onto the open road.
Between the quirky goats, the expansive desert scenery, and the sense of stepping into a uniquely Texan tradition, Lajitas is a small-town stop that leaves a big impression on any traveler.
Sources include roadsideamerica.com, abcnews, Texas Highways, and Southern Living.
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- Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The Grand Canyon of Texas
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- Texas’ first state park welcomes you to visit and camp
RVT1227
We had the pleasure of meeting the mayor several years ago while visiting Big Bend NP.
We visited the mayor back in the good old days. You could buy a long neck at the store and as soon as you walked out the door, the mayor was on his rock waiting for a beer. We were told to not let go of the bottle because as soon as it was empty, his honor would toss it over his shoulder and break it. Sure enough, the wife let go and over his shoulder it went. Neat place to visit.
My mother has a Rhode Island Red rooster that loved to drink Olympia beer out of his Gord Econoline hubcap until he was snockered. A rooster with a hangover is not a good encounter but a rooster with a hangover and long spurs is even worse. I hope the mayor’s disposition is better than that chicken’s!
I went there years ago and it was a beer drinking donkey. Apparently Texans love animal abuse.
Thank you for this amusing and entertaining “roadside attraction,” Russ and Tina! Such levity is quite welcomed, especially given recent and current political goings-on. Have a great day and safe travels!