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The Railroad Arrived in 1872 and Transformed Grayson County

Grayson County History & Culture

Before the railroads, Grayson County depended on cattle drives and agriculture. The Houston and Texas Central and the Missouri Kansas and Texas railroads both arrived in 1872. The county's population grew from 14,387 in 1870 to 38,108 by 1880.

Sherman became a regional commercial hub. Cotton, wheat, and cattle moved through the county by rail. The county also became a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route in 1858, connecting it to the national mail system before the Civil War.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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More stories and useful context near Grayson County

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Stories & local character

Lake Texoma Was Created by a Federal Dam Authorized in 1938

Denison Dam on the Red River created Lake Texoma. It is a major federal water project that changed the county's economy and landscape.

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Stories & local character

The 1930 Sherman Riot Destroyed the Courthouse and Left a Mark on Local History

On May 9-10, 1930, a mob attacked the Grayson County courthouse, burned it, and lynched a Black man awaiting trial, one of the most violent racial incidents in Texas during that era.

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Practical

Lake Texoma Has a Special Fishing License That Covers Both States

Because Lake Texoma straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border, a special low-cost license lets you fish the whole lake without needing two state licenses.

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Stories & local character

Sherman Is the County Seat and Largest City in Grayson County

Sherman serves as the county seat of Grayson County, where county government offices, courts, and the appraisal district are located.

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Place pages in Grayson County

BellsCollinsvilleDenisonDorchesterGunterHowe

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Collin (49) Cooke (12) Fannin (12) Denton (48) Hunt (21) Rockwall (30)