County Origins

Smith County was established in 1846 and named for a Texas Revolution general

Smith County was carved out of the old Nacogdoches District in 1846 and named after General James Smith, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

Smith County History & Culture

Texas created Smith County in July 1846. It was carved from the Nacogdoches District. The county was named after General James Smith. He fought in the Texas Revolution — the war that won Texas its independence. Tyler has been the county seat from the start.

The county covers 932 square miles of East Texas Piney Woods. It sits about 58 miles from the Louisiana state line. The land rolls between 300 and 600 feet in elevation. Knowing the county's roots helps make sense of its place names, landmarks, and local traditions.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Smith County

More Smith County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Smith County

The Smith County Appraisal District sets your property value; a separate tax office collects what you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

File a homestead exemption to lower your Smith County tax bill

If your home is your primary residence, you can file a homestead exemption with Smith CAD to reduce the taxable value.

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Over-65 Exemption

Turning 65 freezes your school taxes in Smith County

Once you qualify for the over-65 homestead exemption, your school taxes cannot go higher than the amount you paid in your first qualifying year.

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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.

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