County History

Ector County Is Named for a Confederate General and Texas Judge

Texas created Ector County in 1887 from Tom Green County land and named it for Mathew D. Ector, a Confederate general who later served as a Texas appeals judge.

Ector County History & Culture

The Texas Legislature created Ector County in 1887. The county was formally organized in 1891. Odessa became the county seat. The county is named for Mathew D. Ector. He was a Confederate general during the Civil War. He later served as a judge on the Texas Court of Appeals.

The Texas and Pacific Railway reached the area in 1881. Settlers followed the railroad. Cattle ranching — especially Hereford breeds — was the main business for decades. By 1910, the county had nearly 24,000 head of cattle. Oil was not discovered until 1926, and that changed everything.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Ector County

More Ector County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Ector County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles payments — they are two separate offices.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law gives homeowners a $140,000 exemption from the school district portion of their property tax if the home is their primary residence.

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Senior & Disabled Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Homeowners 65 or Older

Homeowners who are 65 or older or who are disabled get an additional $60,000 school district exemption and may qualify for a tax freeze.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Landowners who use their Ector County property for farming or ranching can apply to have it taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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