[6] The town of Breckenridge originated in 1854 as Picketville, either named after the structure of its early homes or after rancher Bill Pickett, who lived in the area at the time.

The town was renamed "Breckenridge" after former U.S. Vice President and Confederate Army General John C. Breckinridge, though with an altered spelling.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km2), of which 0.24% is covered by water.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[8] Around 5:20 pm local time on April 9, 2008, three tornadoes, including two "sisters", were confirmed to have hit at least a portion of the town.

[citation needed] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,187 people, 2,018 households, and 1,267 families residing in the city.

Breckenridge High School's mascot is a Buckaroo (a cowboy riding a bucking horse).

The Buckaroos are undefeated in six Class 3A State Football Championships, winning four times in 1951, 1952, 1954, and 1958 with ties in 1929 and 1959.

TSTC partners with BHS and other Texas high schools to offer dual-credit courses.