Texas Porch

Indigenous History

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Has a Reservation in Polk County

The Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe of Texas has a 4,593-acre reservation on U.S. 190 about 17 miles east of Livingston.

Polk County History & Culture

The Alabama and Coushatta peoples have lived in East Texas since the early 1800s. In 1854, Texas purchased land to establish a reservation for the Alabama tribe in Polk County. The Coushatta settled on the same land in 1859. Today the reservation covers about 4,593 acres and sits on U.S. Highway 190, roughly 17 miles east of Livingston.

The tribe is federally recognized. As of 2005, more than 1,000 members were on the tribal roll, with about 500 living on the reservation. The tribe operates a cultural center, a smoke shop, a souvenir shop, and a truck stop. Lake Tombigbee on the reservation draws visitors each year. The tribe also holds an annual powwow.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Alabama-Coushatta Indians

More Polk County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Tax

In Polk County, one office sets your property value and a separate office collects the tax you owe.

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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.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland and Timberland Can Be Taxed at a Lower Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber production may qualify for a special appraisal based on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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Groundwater & Wells

You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well

Polk County is in the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, which requires you to register a new well before you drill.

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