Texas Porch

County history

Anderson County Was Named for the Last Vice President of the Republic of Texas

Anderson County was created in 1846 from Houston County. It was named after Kenneth Lewis Anderson, the last vice president of the Republic of Texas, who died in office in 1845.

Anderson County History & Culture

The Texas Legislature created Anderson County on March 24, 1846. It was carved out of Houston County. Lawmakers named it after Kenneth Lewis Anderson (1805–1845). Anderson was the last vice president of the Republic of Texas, serving under President Anson Jones. He ran the Texas Senate session in June 1845 when Congress voted to approve annexation by the United States.

Anderson never made it home from that session. He fell ill on the way back and died on July 3, 1845, at the Fanthorp Inn — a stagecoach stop in what is now Grimes County. He was 39 years old. Many thought he would become the first governor of the new state of Texas. His law partner, J. Pinckney Henderson, won that office instead.

Palestine became the county seat. It was named after Palestine, Illinois, the former home of early settler Daniel Parker. By 1850, the county's population was 2,884. The Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas covers this full history.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Anderson County

More Anderson County notes

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.

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Property tax / Homestead

Claim a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

If Anderson County is your primary home, a homestead exemption cuts at least $140,000 from your appraised value for school taxes. You file once with the appraisal district.

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Agricultural appraisal

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Landowners who farm, ranch, or manage timber in Anderson County can apply for special appraisal based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for. This often means a much lower tax bill.

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Water / Wells

A Groundwater District Regulates Water Wells in Anderson County

Anderson County is covered by the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. This district covers Anderson, Cherokee, and Henderson counties and handles water well permits.

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