As Mayor of Waxahachie, I want to welcome you to our beautiful and historic City. Waxahachie is one of the most historic communities in Texas, but at the same time has a distinct vision and plan for the future.
Waxahachie is known as the Gingerbread City because of our many 19th century homes and buildings. Ten percent of the structures listed in the Texas section of the National Register of Historic Places are located in Waxahachie. In 1997, the Texas State Legislature designated Waxahachie as the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas. Each summer, thousands of visitors flock to Waxahachie to enjoy the charming historic streets lined with countless beautiful Crape Myrtle trees in full bloom.
Our historic downtown area is home to the Ellis County Courthouse, which is one of the most photographed buildings in Texas. Built in 1895 and designed by architect James Riley Gordon, the courthouse was recently restored to its original historical significance.
The scenic beauty of Waxahachie extends to its 16 city parks and Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike trail. The City’s largest and oldest park, Getzendaner Park, was established in the late 19th century and contains one of the few remaining Chautauqua buildings in the United States.
Arts and culture also add to the quality of life in Waxahachie. The Nicholas P. Sims library is included in Waxahachie’s historic buildings and recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary of service to Waxahachie and surrounding communities. Our strong cultural heritage is displayed at the Ellis County Museum, located in the historic downtown district. Ellis County Art Museum is located on Main Street and showcases the work of many local artists. Additionally, the Waxahachie Symphony Association has brought outstanding classical performances to the area for over 30 years.
Education continues to be an important part of the Waxahachie community. Navarro College is an excellent two-year college offering associates degrees in several areas of study. Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers over 60 four-year degrees and is home to over 1,700 students. Both Navarro and SAGU have recently experienced tremendous growth and as a result, have each expanded their facilities.
Waxahachie Independent School District offers our children an outstanding variety of educational opportunities including academics, arts, music, athletics, agriculture and vocational training. WISD has recently added several new campuses that include the latest in technological resources, as well as state of the art facilities.
Baylor University Medical Center has established one of its largest regional medical facilities in Waxahachie. In addition, Baylor has purchased a 60-acre tract of land near the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287 for the purpose of the 10-year expansion program. Over 35,000 patients are served each year at Baylor’s Waxahachie facility.
These assets serve the City well. Moreover, Waxahachie has location! We are ideally situated 25 miles south of Dallas and 35 miles southeast of Fort Worth. Interstate 35E and Highway 287 intersect within the city limits on the north side. Additionally, in 1992, Waxahachie and Midlothian entered into a partnership to form the Midway Airport between the two cities on Highway 287. The airport is undergoing rapid growth and is poised to become one of the major aviation centers in the Metroplex.
If you are expanding or relocating your business, consider Waxahachie. Call Doug Barnes, Director of Economic Development for the City of Waxahachie (972) 937-7330.
We are proud of Waxahachie. Please visit us for a weekend, or better yet, make Waxahachie your new home.
Ron Wilkinson, Mayor
City of Waxahachie