Oil History

The 1930 East Texas oil discovery transformed Smith County

The discovery of the East Texas oilfield in 1930 triggered a major economic boom in Smith County and made Tyler a regional hub for oil companies.

Smith County History & Culture

Before 1930, Tyler was a small railroad and farming town. The discovery of the East Texas oilfield in 1930 changed that fast. Oil companies moved their offices to Tyler. The county's population and economy grew quickly.

By 1947, the county had produced 98,367,890 barrels of oil. The oilfield brought new businesses and better roads and buildings to the area. The wealth from that era still shows in Tyler's downtown architecture and in the history of the Rose Festival.

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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