A Few First for Ellis County

First major road in Ellis County was a military road that cut through the middle of Ellis County near downtown Waxahachie in 1850. It ran from the Red River to San Antonio. Another road later crossed Eastern Ellis County and went from Dallas to Houston. The commissions court of Ellis County declared these two roads the first official roads in Ellis County in 1860.

Hans Smith reportedly built the first cotton gin in Ellis County in Palmer near Red Oak Creek.

William R Howe was believed to be the first white settler in Ellis County back in 1843.

Edward H Tarrant is believed to have built the first mill in Ellis County. Tarrant County was named in his honor.

Willie Love was the first black man to serve as city commissioner in Ellis County on June 19, 1969.