County Origins

Caldwell County was formed in 1848 and named for a Texas hero

Caldwell County was carved from Bastrop and Gonzales counties in 1848 and was likely named for Mathew Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Caldwell County History & Culture

The county covers about 546 square miles of flat to rolling terrain, about 30 miles south of Austin. Settlement started along the San Marcos River and Plum Creek, both of which still shape the county's landscape and flood patterns today.

Lockhart became the county seat. Early settlers were part of Green DeWitt's colony from the 1820s. The area saw significant conflict before statehood, including the Battle of Plum Creek in 1840, when Texas forces defeated a large Comanche raid near present-day Lockhart.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Caldwell County

More Caldwell County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two different offices handle your property taxes

In Caldwell County, the appraisal district sets your property value and also handles tax collection — the Tax Assessor-Collector office does not collect property taxes here.

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Property Tax Savings

Homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

If your home in Caldwell County is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value.

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Local Tax Districts

Your tax bill may include charges from several local districts

Caldwell County has many active taxing entities, so what you owe depends heavily on exactly where your property sits.

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Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle at the Tax Assessor-Collector in Lockhart

Caldwell County vehicle registration and title transfers are handled at the Tax Assessor-Collector's office on South Main Street in Lockhart.

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