ABOUT MARFA
Marfa was settled in the mid 19th century by two distinct groups: Primarily Anglo-European families started to homestead the area by using the town as a source of supplies and social life and the Mexican families who began to migrate northward to the growing settlement. Both groups can attribute their families back three or four generations.
Marfa now has a population of around 2400. The largest employers are the Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization and U.S. Customs. As Marfa is the seat of government for Presidio County, a significant number of residents are employed through the county offices.
Events that led to the cultural and economic growth that Marfa now enjoys started with Judd's investment in art and people back in the 1970's. With the purchase of much of Fort D.A. Russell, Donald Judd began the work on his permanent sculptural installations. A noticable amount of revitalization came from his activities and continued up until his death in 1994. The Chinati Foundation was established as guardian of his artworks and the museum. The foundation continues his vision as well as attracting thousand of visitors each year to Marfa.
Today, Marfa enjoys an international reputation in the art world and still remains a simple and modest place to live.
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