Economic History

The Railroad Arrived in 1872 and Transformed Grayson County

When two railroads reached Grayson County in 1872, the region's population and economy expanded rapidly over the next decade.

Grayson County History & Culture

Before the railroads, Grayson County depended on cattle drives and agriculture. The Houston and Texas Central and the Missouri Kansas and Texas railroads both arrived in 1872. The county's population grew from 14,387 in 1870 to 38,108 by 1880.

Sherman became a regional commercial hub. Cotton, wheat, and cattle moved through the county by rail. The county also became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route in 1858, connecting it to the national mail system before the Civil War.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Grayson County

More Grayson County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Different Offices Handle Your Property Taxes

Grayson County splits property tax duties between two offices, and knowing which one to call saves you time.

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Homestead Exemption

Apply for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

If your home is your main residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed at a Much Lower Rate

Texas allows farmland and ranchland to be taxed on what it can produce, not what it would sell for, which can mean a much lower tax bill.

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Appraisal Protest

You Can Challenge Your Property Appraisal Each Year

If you think the Grayson Central Appraisal District overvalued your property, you have the right to protest and get a hearing.

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