County Origins

Taylor County was named for three Alamo defenders

The Texas legislature created Taylor County in 1858 and named it for Edward, James, and George Taylor, three brothers who died at the Alamo in 1836.

Taylor County History & Culture

Taylor County was established by the Texas legislature in 1858. It was named for three brothers — Edward, James, and George Taylor — who were among those killed at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. The county was not actually organized until 1878, when Buffalo Gap became its first county seat.

The county grew slowly at first. By 1880 only about 917 people lived there, most of them ranchers. Cattle and sheep dominated the land. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881 changed everything. It bypassed Buffalo Gap and the new town of Abilene was born, quickly drawing settlers, businesses, and cotton farmers.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Taylor County

More Taylor County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle property taxes here

Taylor County has both an appraisal district and a tax assessor-collector, but the county tax office does not collect property taxes — the appraisal district handles collection for most taxing units.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill

Texas law requires every school district to exempt $140,000 of your home's value from taxation, but you must apply through the Taylor County Appraisal District to get the benefit.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

Texas allows agricultural land to be appraised on what it can produce rather than what it could sell for, which usually means a much lower tax bill.

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Tax Bill Breakdown

Multiple taxing units appear on your property tax bill

Your Taylor County property tax bill can include charges from up to 18 different taxing units — the county, a school district, and possibly a city or water district.

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