Railroad History

Two railroads shaped Kaufman County's towns in the 1870s and 1890s

The Texas and Pacific Railway arrived in 1873 and helped Terrell grow; the Texas-Midland Railroad added a second line in the 1890s, bringing shops and jobs to the county.

Kaufman County History & Culture

Before railroads, farming towns in Kaufman County were limited to local trade. The Texas and Pacific Railway reached the northern part of the county in 1873. Terrell — already a town — grew quickly around the new rail line. The railroad brought faster markets for cotton and corn.

In the mid-1890s, the Texas-Midland Railroad was completed through the county. Under the ownership of Edward H.R. Green, it established railroad shops and offices in Terrell. Green — the son of wealthy financier Hetty Green — became a prominent figure in the county. The rail network helped Terrell grow into the county's largest commercial center.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Kaufman County

More Kaufman County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Kaufman County

The appraisal district sets your home's value; the tax assessor-collector sends the bill and takes payment.

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Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with KCAD to lower your tax bill

Texas requires school districts to give homeowners a $140,000 exemption on their primary residence — but you must apply with the appraisal district to get it.

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Over-65 & Disability Exemption

Homeowners 65 and older get extra tax relief in Kaufman County

Once you turn 65, your school taxes can be frozen — meaning they cannot rise as long as you own and live in the home.

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Agricultural Special Appraisal

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on what it produces, not what it sells for

Texas law lets qualifying farm and ranch land be taxed on what it can produce, not what a developer would pay for it — which can cut your tax bill sharply.

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