County History

Harris County Was Founded in 1836 and Named After an Early Settler

Harris County was established by the First Congress of the Republic of Texas and named after John R. Harris, who built an early port town on Buffalo Bayou.

Harris County History & Culture

The First Congress of the Republic of Texas established the county on December 22, 1836. It was originally called Harrisburg County. In December 1839, it was renamed Harris County in honor of John R. Harris. Harris had developed the port of Harrisburg on Buffalo Bayou as early as 1826.

Houston was named the county seat and briefly served as the capital of the Republic of Texas when the county was formed in 1836. The county spans about 1,778 square miles in southeast Texas. By 1960, it had passed one million residents. Today it is one of the most populous counties in the United States.

Source to confirm: Texas State Historical Association – Harris County

More Harris County notes

Appraisal District

Who Sets Your Property Value in Harris County

The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the taxable value of every property in the county each year.

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Property Tax Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill in Harris County

Homeowners who live in their Harris County home as their primary residence can get a significant cut in their property tax bill through the homestead exemption.

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Property Tax Protest

You Can Fight Your Appraisal in Harris County

Harris County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value every year — and many do.

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Municipal Utility Districts

What a MUD Is — and Why It Matters in Harris County

Harris County has hundreds of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that provide water, sewer, and drainage to homes outside city limits.

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