University History

Prairie View A&M Is One of Texas's Oldest Public Universities

Prairie View A&M University was founded in 1876 on a former plantation. It was the first public college for Black Texans and is still a major part of Waller County today.

Waller County History & Culture

In 1876, the Texas Legislature set up the school on the former Kirby plantation in what is now Waller County. It opened as Prairie View State Normal School in 1879. Its job was to train Black teachers. At that time, very few schools in Texas were open to African Americans.

The city of Prairie View grew up around the university. As of recent estimates, it had about 6,800 residents.

The university has deep ties to civil rights history. In the 1960s and 1970s, students and community members ran voter registration drives in Waller County. Today Prairie View A&M is part of the Texas A&M University System. It is one of the county's largest employers and a key cultural institution.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Prairie View (Waller County)

More Waller County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Separate Offices Handle Your Property Taxes

In Waller County, one office sets your home's value and another collects the taxes — you need to know which is which.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home in Waller County, you likely qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces your property taxes.

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Agricultural Valuation

Land Used for Farming or Ranching May Be Taxed at a Lower Rate

In Waller County, qualifying farm and ranch land is taxed on its agricultural productivity, not its market value, which can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Municipal Utility Districts

Many Waller County Subdivisions Are Inside a MUD

A Municipal Utility District — called a MUD — is a small local government that provides water, sewer, and drainage to a subdivision, and it adds its own tax rate on top of county and school taxes.

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