Waxahachie, TX

Waxahachie was founded as the seat of the newly established Ellis County in August 1850 and incorporated in 1871. Its elaborate Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse remains a defining civic building. Waxahachie’s population was 41,140 in 2020. From 1902 to 1942, the city was home to Trinity University; its former administration and classroom building is now the Farmer Administration Building at Nelson University. Getzendaner Memorial Park contains the Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1902. The Scarborough Renaissance Festival operates southwest of the city, while the annual Gingerbread Trail Festival includes tours of local gingerbread-style houses. A separate Hachie Hearts Trail comprises 21 painted heart sculptures.