Reconstruction Era

Black residents held major county offices in Fort Bend during Reconstruction

After the Civil War, African Americans won elected office in Fort Bend County as sheriff, commissioner, and justice of the peace.

Fort Bend County History & Culture

After the Civil War, Black residents of Fort Bend County made up the majority and held real offices. Walter Burton served as sheriff and tax collector and later became a state senator. Shade Croome served as justice of the peace. Tom Taylor served as county commissioner.

This era of Black leadership was short. The violent Jaybird-Woodpecker clash of 1889 ended it. A whites-only primary then kept Black voters out of real power until 1953.

Fort Bend County's African American history goes from enslavement through Reconstruction leadership to the civil rights era and today's diverse county. The Handbook of Texas records these people and events.

Source to confirm: Fort Bend County – History

More Fort Bend County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Fort Bend 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

How to apply for a homestead exemption in Fort Bend County

Homeowners who live in their home as their main residence can apply with FBCAD to lower the taxable value.

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Municipal Utility Districts

Many Fort Bend neighborhoods are inside a MUD

Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are special taxing districts that built and now run water, sewer, and drainage in many subdivisions.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural land in Fort Bend can be taxed at a lower rate

Land used for farming or ranching may qualify for a lower tax value based on what it can produce, not what it would sell for.

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