Terlingua, Texas—known for its unique frontier spirit, vivid natural beauty, and close-knit community—stands at a crossroads. The proposed introduction of a Dollar General store poses a serious threat to the very essence of our community. Dollar General’s unprecedented rapid expansion across the U.S. has made it the most common retail store in the country, with over 20,000 locations and a growth rate of roughly three new stores opening per day—often in small, rural communities like ours. Fact: Since 2018, approximately 75% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Dollar General. This percentage does not even include other dollar stores, which are also incredibly prolific.

(sources: https://newscenter.dollargeneral.com www.wwno.org)

Terlingua, Texas, is a rare gem—one of the last places in the U.S. of its kind: a haven of rugged independence, immense and storied character, some of the darkest night skies in the country, and, most importantly, completely untouched by chain box stores and the visual monotony and bland uniformity plaguing most of the U.S.

Introducing a corporate giant like Dollar General into our community could have far-reaching and devastating consequences. It’s highly probable that it will not just be a single store (as per their business model). Further, it would likely establish a precedent that attracts additional opportunistic corporations, ultimately transforming the area into yet another overexploited, homogenized gateway community to a National Park. This is particularly concerning given Terlingua's unique position at the entrance to two of the greatest natural treasures in Texas: Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. (source: https://ilsr.org)

For local, smaller, independent businesses that constitute the heart of our community, it may mean a loss of customers and, ultimately, closure. Conversely, it would discourage or possibly prevent other potential small businesses from opening. This erosion of local commerce could lead to fewer jobs, lower wages, and a veritable food desert for our residents.

Moreover, corporations siphon much-needed tax revenue out of the community.

Another critical concern is the issue of lighting. Once we lose our precious Dark Skies to careless lighting, we’re unlikely to recover them. Poor lighting and non-compliance would increase light pollution and jeopardize our region's International Dark Sky Reserve designation. Losing this designation would significantly impact the local economy, which depends heavily on its natural and cultural resources, pristine Dark Skies, and the quality of life for locals, tourists, and all other star gazers alike.

We aim to protect our community, preserve our local economy and dark skies, and maintain our distinctive personality. Hence, we are seeking your support to halt the establishment of a Dollar General store in Terlingua, Texas. By taking action today, we can work to save our town from this unwanted commercialization. Change and growth are inevitable, but we must ask ourselves: Do we want to let corporate interests overpower our unique community identity and allow powerful absentee land and business owners to dictate what happens in our town? It takes numbers to affect change. Sign the petition and stand with us in preserving our community and what’s left of the Wild West. And of course, ¡Viva Terlingua!