The seat of Menard County, this town is on the San Saba River at the intersection of US 83 and US 190, a mile from the ruins of San Luis de las Amarillas Presidio. San Angelo is the nearest metro area, to the northwest.
In the 1980s Menard continued as a market for livestock, wool, and mohair, with tourism and oil production supplementing the local economy; some local ranchers attempted to establish a cashmere industry.
The population was 1,697 in 1980 and 1,606 in 1990.
Annual events in Menard included Jim Bowie Days in September and the Silver Mine Classic Lamb Show in October.