Economic History

Railroads in the 1880s turned Denton County into a major wheat producer

When railroads reached Denton County in the 1880s, wheat production surged and the county ranked among the state leaders in wheat output for decades.

Denton County History & Culture

Before railroads, Denton County farmers grew mostly subsistence crops. Trains changed that. Rail access after the 1880s let farmers ship wheat and cotton to outside markets. Denton County ranked first or second in Texas for wheat production from around 1890 to 1920.

Cattle ranching was also important early on. John S. Chisum, a well-known rancher, ran cattle operations in the county starting in 1854 before moving his operations west. The mix of Black Prairie soil and Cross Timbers terrain shaped what could be grown where.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Denton County

More Denton County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Denton County

The Denton Central Appraisal District sets your property value; the county Tax Assessor-Collector sends the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How to claim a homestead exemption in Denton County

Filing a homestead exemption with DCAD can lower your taxable property value if you live in the home you own.

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Ag Valuation

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

Qualifying agricultural land in Denton County is appraised at its farming productivity value, which is usually much lower than market value.

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Appraisal Protest

You can protest your Denton County appraisal if you think it is too high

Denton County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value each year through the Denton Central Appraisal District.

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