County Origin

Ellis County was carved from Navarro County in 1849

Texas created Ellis County on December 20, 1849, probably naming it for Richard Ellis, who led the 1836 convention that declared Texas independence.

Ellis County History & Culture

The Texas Legislature created Ellis County on December 20, 1849. It was carved from Navarro County. The county was probably named for Richard Ellis. He served as president of the Convention of 1836, the group that signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The county seat, Waxahachie, was set up in August 1850 on land donated by E. W. Rogers. The name Waxahachie comes from a Native American word meaning cow or buffalo. That fit the open prairie land early settlers found here.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Ellis County

More Ellis County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two different offices handle your property tax in Ellis County

The Ellis County Appraisal District sets your property value, but a separate Tax Assessor-Collector office sends the bill and collects the money.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

File a homestead exemption to lower your property tax bill

Texas law lets homeowners who live in their home claim a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of the property.

Read note ->

Ag Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

In Ellis County, qualifying farm or ranch land is taxed on what it can produce, not what it could sell for. That can cut the tax bill by a lot.

Read note ->

Vehicle Registration

Ellis County vehicles need an emissions test every year

Ellis County is in the DFW area, so most gas-powered vehicles must pass an emissions test every year before the owner can renew registration.

Read note ->