Van Zandt County, Texas
12 local notes for Van Zandt County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. East Texas / Piney Woods.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax
Who handles property taxes in Van Zandt County
The Van Zandt Appraisal District sets property values, but the appraisal district itself also collects most local property taxes.
Homestead Exemption
Save money with a homestead exemption
If your home is your main residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that lowers your property tax bill.
Agricultural Valuation
Ag valuation can sharply lower land taxes
Landowners who actively farm or ranch can apply to have their property taxed on its agricultural productivity instead of its market value.
Cars & Driving
Outdoors
Public Hunting Land
Tawakoni WMA offers public hunting and outdoor access
The Tawakoni Wildlife Management Area includes land in Van Zandt County where you can hunt, fish, hike, and camp with a permit.
Fishing
Lake Tawakoni borders Van Zandt County and offers year-round fishing
Lake Tawakoni lies on the Van Zandt County border and is a popular fishing destination managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Rules & Licenses
Right to Farm
Farming neighbors are legally protected from nuisance suits
Texas law protects established farm and ranch operations from nuisance lawsuits, which matters in this agricultural county.
Livestock and Roads
Who is responsible when livestock gets on the road
Texas has different rules for livestock on roads depending on road type and whether a local stock law has been passed.
History & Culture
Local Tradition
First Monday Trade Days: a long-running Canton tradition
Canton's First Monday Trade Days grew from 19th-century livestock swapping into one of the largest monthly outdoor markets in Texas.
Local History
Why Van Zandt County is called the Free State
Van Zandt County has long carried the nickname 'Free State of Van Zandt,' rooted in several historical acts of independence.
County Origins
Van Zandt County was carved out in 1848 and named for a Republic leader
The Texas Legislature created Van Zandt County in 1848 from part of Henderson County and named it for Isaac Van Zandt, a key Republic of Texas figure.
County Seat
Canton fought to keep its status as county seat
When the railroad bypassed Canton in 1872, a rival town tried to take the county seat — and Canton's residents armed themselves to fight back.