Pines, lakes, and oil country
East Texas & the Piney Woods
The Piney Woods of East Texas — timber and oil history, big reservoirs, national forests, and the heavy rainfall that shapes the land.
35 counties · 361 local notes
Cities & towns
Counties
A taste of the notes
Anderson County · Property tax
Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes in Anderson County
The Anderson County Appraisal District sets property values, and a separate Tax Assessor-Collector office handles billing and payment — both are in Palestine.
Bowie County · Property tax
Two separate offices handle appraisal and tax collection in Bowie County
The Bowie Central Appraisal District sets property values, while a separate Tax Assessor-Collector handles billing — knowing which office to call saves confusion.
Cherokee County · County History
Cherokee County Was Named for the People Who Were Forced Out of It
Cherokee County was established in 1846 from Nacogdoches County and takes its name from the Cherokee people who lived in the region before being expelled in 1839.
Gregg County · Game Warden
How to reach Gregg County's game warden
Gregg County has a TPWD game warden who enforces hunting, fishing, and boating laws in the county.
Henderson County · State Park / Fishing
Purtis Creek State Park has strict bass rules and free fishing licenses
Purtis Creek State Park in Henderson County has a 355-acre lake with catch-and-release-only rules for bass and no fishing license required inside the park.
Jasper County · Property tax
Two different offices handle your property tax in Jasper County
The Jasper County Appraisal District sets your property's value; a separate Tax Assessor-Collector collects your bill — knowing which office to call saves you a wasted trip.
Morris County · County History
Morris County was formed in 1875 from Titus County and has had Daingerfield as its seat ever since
Morris County was created by the Texas Legislature on March 13, 1875, carved from Titus County and named for a Virginia-born planter and judge.
Polk County · Homestead Exemption
Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill
If this home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value.
Rusk County · State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park Is the County's Main Outdoor Destination
Martin Creek Lake State Park near Tatum offers year-round fishing, camping, and trails on a warm-water lake in East Texas Piney Woods.
Smith County · Appraisal Protest
You can protest your property value in Smith County
If you think Smith CAD valued your property too high, you have the right to protest — and the deadline is printed on your appraisal notice.
Titus County · Vehicle Registration
Registering Your Car in Titus County
Titus County does not require an emissions test, and as of January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection either — you register directly with the county.
Upshur County · Flood Risk
Check the FEMA Flood Map Before Buying in Upshur County
East Texas gets significant rainfall, and low-lying land near creeks and streams in Upshur County can sit in a FEMA-designated flood zone.
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