Civil Rights History

The 1930 Sherman Riot Destroyed the Courthouse and Left a Mark on Local History

On May 9-10, 1930, a mob attacked the Grayson County courthouse, burned it, and lynched a Black man awaiting trial, one of the most violent racial incidents in Texas during that era.

Grayson County History & Culture

George Hughes, a Black farm worker, was awaiting trial in Sherman when a white mob surrounded the courthouse, set it on fire, and killed him. The governor declared martial law. The mob also burned Black-owned businesses and homes throughout the city.

Of fourteen men indicted for riot involvement, only two were convicted. The courthouse was later rebuilt. The event is documented in the Handbook of Texas and is part of the broader history of racial violence in the Jim Crow South.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Sherman Riot of 1930

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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