Learn How Ellis County Grew Into a Landmark Community
Ellis County, in north-central Texas, is about 30 miles south of Dallas and encompasses 939 square miles (approximately 600,000 acres). Waxahachie, the county seat, boasts a present estimated population of about 45,476 and is the principal town in the central part of Ellis County.
Ennis, 18 miles east of Waxahachie, has approximately 21,210 citizens and is the principal community in the eastern half of the county.
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Since the middle of the 19th century
Since the middle of the 19th century, Ellis County has been an important agricultural center and one of the state’s leading producers of cotton. Today, cotton production has dwindled in volume and economic importance and has been supplanted by livestock production as the principal agricultural industry. The chief mineral of economic value is Eagle Ford Clay, which is worked for brick, although oil and gas production exists to a limited degree in the extreme southeastern part of the county. Various manufacturing and industrial concerns operate throughout the county, but are found in greatest concentration in the northern part close to Dallas.
The following paragraphs highlight many of the major events and historical themes in Ellis County’s development and are not intended to be a definitive history of the county. Instead, this background identifies some of the broad patterns in the local history and sets the stage for a more in-depth analysis of the county’s history.
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The museum would not be operational without our amazing community members, board of directors, and volunteers. We truly appreciate all they to do help us preserve and share the rich, historic history of Ellis County! If you are interested in supporting our museum by volunteering or becoming a member, let us know!