Navarro

Navarro County

Updated on: January 10, 2022
Coordinates
32° 3' 0" N, 96° 28' 12" W (32.05, -96.47)
State
Texas
Region
Northeast
County Seat:
Corsicana
Year Organized:
1846
Total Square Miles:
1085.936
Population:
48701 (2017)
Persons/Square Mile:
45
Navarro County Website
http://www.co.navarro.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Henderson (NE)
Freestone (SE)
Limestone (S)
Hill (SW)
Ellis (NW)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
48701
25 to 64 Years of Age:
47.83%
65 Years of Age and Older:
17.01%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$1.5 B
Labor Force:
23,633
Unemployment Rate:
3.70%

County Contact

601 N. 13th St. Suite 7
County Courthouse
Corsicana, TX, 75110-4603

http://www.co.navarro.tx.us

Navarro County Texas is a county in the U.S. state of Texas, in the center of the state and along the border with Mexico. It has an area of about 2,813 km² with most land being used for farming. The population is over 50,000 at the 2019 census. Its county seat is Corsicana.

Corsicana is famous for its annual Peach Festival. Besides, it houses most of the county offices including the courthouse. If you are visiting Navarro County, visit the historic downtown where you can find many restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions.

Navarro County History

The county was named after José Antonio Navarro, who was a patriot during the Mexican War of Independence. He died in 1847 and his remains were buried on the site that would later become the town square. Today he lies next to the monument dedicated to him.

In 1848, the Republic of Texas annexed the county. At this time, the county’s name changed to “Navarro” because of the new president’s name. Early settlers were the Mina family, who came from Spain. They established the first church in the county, which still stands today.

Another Indian tribe, the Tonkawa, lived in the area before the Spanish arrived. In 1720, they signed a peace treaty with the Spanish governor. This treaty allowed them to live freely in the area until their numbers dwindled. By the early 19th century, only a few remained.

In 1836, the United States government built Fort Duncan near present-day Corsicana. It was built to protect the citizens against attacks by Native Americans. After the Civil War ended in 1865, the fort became obsolete. It was abandoned in 1871.

By the 1880s, the railroad had reached Corsicana. Soon after, the city grew rapidly. The population peaked at around 10,000 people in 1900. After World War II, the economy boomed as they discovered oil near Corsicana. This brought jobs to the community and helped grow the city.

Today, Navarro County is home to over 50,000 people. The county is known for its peach festival every year. There are also amazing things you can do within the county such as gaming, horse racing, and fishing.

Things to Do in Navarro County

Navarro County offers plenty of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

  • Visit the Peach Festival. Every year, the Peach Festival takes place in the summer months. During this event, there are numerous food vendors, games, rides, and entertainment. You will see all kinds of delicious peaches!
  • Explore the Historic Downtown. The downtown area is filled with old buildings that have been restored. Many of these buildings date back to the mid-1800s. You can walk through the streets and admire the architecture.
  • Go Horseback Riding. If you want to go horseback riding, visit the Navarro County Courthouse Square. This is one of the best places to ride horses. You can rent a horse or take lessons.
  • Playing Golf. If you like golfing, then you should check out the Navarro Country Club. This club has two courses designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.
  • Watch NASCAR Racing. If you love watching NASCAR races, then you should come to Navarro County Speedway. This speedway hosts many types of races throughout the year.
  • Enjoy Fishing. If you love fishing, then you should try your luck at Lake Navarro. This lake is located just outside of town and beautiful scenery surrounds it.

The Economy of Navarro County

Early settlers practiced agriculture, but most moved away when the railroads were completed. Today, the major industries in Navarro County include manufacturing, education, health care, and tourism. Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy. Farmers raise crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats. They also produce dairy products and livestock.

Education is another major industry in Navarro County. There are several colleges and universities in the county including North Central Texas College, University of Phoenix, and Texas A&M International University. These schools offer degrees ranging from associates to doctorate-level programs.

Healthcare is also a major part of the economy. There are four hospitals in the county. Two of them are owned by Tenet Healthcare Corporation. The other two are privately owned. Health care workers help patients who need medical services.

Tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Navarro County. Visitors come here to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenic views. Some attractions include the Navarro County Museum, Navarro County Historical Museum, and the historic courthouse square.

Navarro County Financial Reports

One of the financial reports related to Navarro County includes the annual budget report. It shows how much money was spent on various things during the previous fiscal year. Another report includes the revenue and expenditures report. This report contains information about the income earned and expenses incurred by the government agencies in the county.

Another financial report includes the tax digest report. This report details the total amount of taxes collected by the county for the past fiscal year. In addition, it shows the number of new properties added to the property rolls and the value of those properties.

Budget is another financial report that covers the general fund activities of the county. It provides information about the revenues received by the county and the expenses paid by the county.

Revenue and Expenditures Report- This report highlights the income earned and expenses paid by the government.

Navarro County Offices

Here are the key county offices and how to reach them:

The County Judge is under Honorable, H.M. Davenport, Jr who handles the day-to-day operations of the county. He can be reached at 903-654-3025.

The County Clerk Office is under Sherry Dowd. You can contact the office at (903) 654-3035.

Another office is the County Treasurers’ office under Ryan Douglas. You can contact them at 903-654-3090.

The County Tax Assessor-Collector handles the assessment and collection of property taxes. Contact Mike Dowd at (903) 654-3080.

Navarro County Sheriffs Office handles law enforcement matters. Contact Sheriff’s office at

(903) 654-3001 or call 911 or emergencies.