Population in households in Dawson County ; Total Population: 11,687; Male Population: 5,721; Under 5 years: 551; 5 to 9 years: 480; 10 to 14 years: 491; 15 to 17 years: 284; 18 and 19 years: 154; 20 years: 55; 21 years: 55; 22 to 24 years: 192; 25 to 29 years: 353; 30 to 34 years: 314; 35 to 39 years: 300; 40 to 44 years: 291; 45 to 49 years: 394; 50 to 54 years: 370; 55 to 59 years: 353
John Steinbeck, Literary Legend. John Steinbeck (February 27, 1902  December 20, 1968) was one of the best-known and most widely read American writers of the 20th century. Over his writing career, Steinbeck wrote nearly 30 books, including several novels, non-fiction books and short story collections. But he wasn't always a working writer.
John Steinbeck's classic novel, Of Mice and Men, was first published in 1937. Despite the controversies and book banning that have surrounded the text, this story of George and Lennie in the Salinas Valley has become one of Steinbeck's most beloved works.