Industrial History

Industry came to Gregg County after World War II

After World War II, major industrial employers — including LeTourneau and Texas Eastman — set up in Gregg County and built an economy beyond oil.

Gregg County History & Culture

During World War II, Longview had a military hospital. After the war, that site became LeTourneau University. The LeTourneau manufacturing company also built a large factory in Longview. It made heavy earth-moving equipment. The Texas Eastman petrochemical plant opened in 1950 and became a major employer in the region.

These businesses gave Gregg County jobs outside oil and gas. Kilgore College was founded during the oil boom to serve the area's growing population. Interstate 20, started in 1964, later made it easier to travel and ship goods across East Texas. The Handbook of Texas is the main source for this post-war history.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas Online — Gregg County

More Gregg County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who values your property for taxes in Gregg County

The Gregg County Appraisal District (GCAD) sets the value of every taxable property in the county each year.

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Homestead Exemption

Lower your tax bill with a homestead exemption

If your home in Gregg County is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that cuts your taxable value.

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Agricultural Use

Ag valuation can cut taxes on rural Gregg County land

Land used for farming, timber, or beekeeping in Gregg County can be taxed on its productive value — not its market value — which can mean much lower taxes.

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Tax Rates

Gregg County has many taxing units — your bill depends on where you live

Your property tax bill in Gregg County is the sum of rates from every taxing unit whose boundary includes your address.

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