History Unveiled: A Journey Through Time
Since its founding in 1850, Waxahachie has served as a key agricultural, commercial, educational, retail, and transportation hub in North Texas. The town experienced rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely driven by the thriving cotton industry. Thanks to the success of Waxahachie’s early cotton entrepreneurs, Ellis County became the largest cotton-producing county in the United States during the early 1900s. This economic boom led to the establishment of several cotton-related businesses, including one of Texas' first textile mills.
The prosperity of the late 1800s and early 1900s sparked a building surge, which resulted in the development of the downtown area and the creation of large residential neighborhoods filled with stunning Victorian homes. In 1895, the historic Ellis County courthouse was completed, which remains Waxahachie’s most iconic landmark and draws visitors from around the world.
However, the Great Depression in the 1930s led to a significant drop in cotton demand, causing many cotton gins and textile mills to close. Following World War II, Waxahachie, like the rest of the nation, entered the automobile era. Fortunately, the town's strategic location proved beneficial. U.S. Highways 77 and 287 intersected near downtown, and with the later addition of Interstate 35, Waxahachie’s accessibility to major roadways further boosted its economic development by facilitating commercial growth and residential expansion.
Today, Waxahachie remains an appealing destination for both developers and new residents, thanks to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and its numerous annual festivals. In 1997, the Texas State Legislature named Waxahachie the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas,” as its historic streets are lined with vibrant crape myrtles blooming each summer.
Year-round, Waxahachie hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Gingerbread Trail in June, the Crape Myrtle Festival in July, and the Crossroads of Texas Country Festival in October. December offers holiday-themed activities such as the Parade of Lights, the Christmas Tour of Homes, and Bethlehem Revisited.
With its strategic location at the intersection of I-35 and US 287, Waxahachie continues to flourish. The town’s population now exceeds 49,000 and is steadily growing.
