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Long before Rains County was created, as early as 1840, there was a small town called Springville located just north of the Sabine River. Its earliest settlers must have seen some potential in this village because of the ample water supply which originated as springs from deep in the East Texas soil. The early forefathers laid out a town site as early as the 1850’s. Rains County was created in 1870 by a division of Hopkins, Hunt and Wood counties and became the 4th smallest county in Texas. Springfield became Emory, Texas – named in honor of Judge Emory Rains - and Emory became the County Seat of Rains County. A school, a tanning gin, hotel, churches, drug store, general store, and six saloons were in the town and date from the 1850’s to 1890’s. The earliest newspaper was the Angus first published in 1882 which eventually became the Rains County Leader in 1890. The First National Bank opened its doors in 1903. One of the major factors that helped Emory grow was the close proximity of the MK & T Railroad which was opened in 1881. A small log house was used as the first courthouse, but after a year, more space was needed so a two-room building was erected in the center of the square. This burned in 1879 and all records up to that time were destroyed. The first building was used temporarily until a two-story building was built in 1884. Fire destroyed this building in 1890, but the records were salvaged due to a fire-proof vault. In 1908 the present two-story brick building was erected using white bricks that were made at the Ginger community located in Rains County. The brick was the only one of its architectural style in the United States and with a grant from the Texas Historical Commission; the courthouse has been renovated and is expected to re-open in October 2009. Emory was incorporated in the early 40’s and a water system was created in 1945. Sam Braziel served as the first Mayor and the City continued to grow with the addition of sewer, roads, a city park and other improvements. In the 1950’s local individuals created the Emory Industrial Commission and purchased and Industrial Park. The mid-1950 saw the beginning of tourism with the construction of Lake Tawakoni, the largest man-made lake in Texas. Lake Fork began operation in 1980 has produced the state-record largemouth bass, as well as producing a majority of the top 50 bass in Texas. Emory, Texas is conveniently located between the hottest bass lake in Texas and one of the best catfish lakes in Texas where over half million visitors come to fish and relax each year! Agricultural enterprises were the dominant contributors to the economy in the beginning and continue to play a vital role in the area economy today. Emory celebrates its heritage with events throughout the year. Rains County has been designated as the official Eagle Capital of Texas. Emory hosts the Eagle Fest celebration each year in February. The first Saturday in May commemorates the birthday of Emory Rains and other pioneers with our Founders Day Festival. The Rains County Fair is held each September. Santa even comes to participate in our annual Christmas Parade and Christmas On the Square on the first weekend in December! Our city and county officials, civic and social organizations, Chambers of Commerce, and our volunteer fire departments provide a strong backbone of community service with emphasis on family values. Emory, Texas ….No pretense, …. A place where you can just be yourself!
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