County History

Wood County Is Named for a Texas Governor

Wood County was created in 1850 and named for George T. Wood, who served as governor of Texas from 1847 to 1849.

In 1850, the Texas legislature split Wood County off from Van Zandt County. The new county was named for George T. Wood, the second governor of the State of Texas. Quitman was established at the same time as the county seat, named for John A. Quitman — a Mississippi governor and Mexican War general.

Early settlers came largely from the American South and built a farming economy centered on cotton and corn. By 1860, the county had nearly 1,000 enslaved people working those farms. Railroads arrived in the 1870s, spurring the growth of towns like Mineola. Oil was discovered in the county in 1941, reshaping the local economy for decades.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Wood County

More Wood County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Handles Property Taxes in Wood County

Two separate offices handle your property taxes — the appraisal district sets the value, and the tax assessor-collector sends the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How to Lower Your Tax Bill with a Homestead Exemption

If your home in Wood County is your main residence, you likely qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces what you owe in property taxes.

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Ag Valuation

How Agricultural Land Gets a Lower Tax Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber in Wood County can be valued at its agricultural use — not its market price — which sharply reduces property taxes.

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Fishing Regulations

Fishing at Lake Fork: Special Rules You Need to Know

Lake Fork Reservoir in Wood County has strict catch rules for largemouth bass — most fish must be released, and only one trophy-size fish per day may be kept.

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