Local History

Stratford became the county seat under Texas Ranger guard

Sherman County's government moved from Coldwater to Stratford in 1901 in a contentious midnight transfer — and Texas Rangers had to keep the peace.

Sherman County History & Culture

Sherman County was organized in 1889 with Coldwater as its county seat. When the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway arrived in 1901, a new town called Stratford sprang up along the line. Supporters pushed to move the county government there. Voters approved the move in May 1901.

The transition was anything but calm. County officials moved the records in the middle of the night to make the relocation final before anyone could stop them. The move was so controversial that Governor Joseph D. Sayers sent Texas Rangers to Stratford to keep order. Stratford has been the county seat ever since. The Handbook of Texas at TSHAonline.org tells the full story.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas Online — Sherman County

More Sherman County notes

Property Tax

Who handles property taxes in Sherman County

Two separate offices handle property taxes here — one sets values, the other collects the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How the homestead exemption works in Sherman County

If your home in Sherman County is your main residence, you may qualify for a Texas homestead exemption that lowers your taxable value.

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Agricultural Valuation

Ag valuation can cut your property tax bill on rural land

In this farming and ranching county, land actively used for agriculture is taxed on its productivity value — not its full market value — which can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Groundwater / Water Wells

Water wells here tap the Ogallala Aquifer — and need a permit

Nearly all water in Sherman County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, and the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District regulates who can drill a well and how much water they can use.

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