Texas Porch

Local History

Terry County Was Built on Cotton and Oil

Terry County was organized in 1904 and built its economy first on ranching, then cotton, and later oil — all three still shape the county today.

Terry County History & Culture

Terry County was carved from Bexar County in 1876 and named for Col. Benjamin Franklin Terry, a Civil War commander. Ranchers arrived in the 1890s, and Brownfield became the county seat in 1904 after narrowly defeating the town of Gomez. The railroad reached Brownfield in 1917 and triggered a growth wave. By 1920 the town had about 1,200 residents.

Cotton took over as the main crop in the mid-1900s, and oil was discovered in 1940. Through 1991, Terry County had produced nearly 363 million barrels of crude. Agriculture still brings in about $63 million a year on average, with 90% of that from cotton. If you buy land here, mineral rights and oil lease history are worth researching at the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Terry County

More Terry County notes

Property Tax

How Property Taxes Work in Terry County

Terry County uses a separate appraisal district and tax office, and the tax office does not collect property taxes directly.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Ag Valuation Can Lower Your Property Tax in Terry County

Land used for farming or ranching in Terry County may qualify for a special lower tax valuation based on productivity rather than market value.

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Groundwater / Water Wells

Water Wells and the Ogallala Aquifer in Terry County

Most rural land in Terry County gets its water from the Ogallala Aquifer. The South Plains Underground Water Conservation District regulates wells and water use in the county.

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Public Hunting

Public Hunting Land Exists in Terry County

Terry County has at least one public hunting area managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife where dove and quail hunting are allowed with a permit.

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