Wood County General Information

Wood County is located in the northeast section of Texas. The counties of Smith, Rains, Upshur, Hopkins, Van Zandt, Camp, and Franklin border it. Located within the county are the incorporated cities of Alba, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro, and Yantis. The outlying areas of Wood County include major developments at Holly Lake Ranch in the eastern portion of the county and Lake Fork Reservoir which is home to thousands of Wood County residents.

Wood County is located approximately 90 miles east of Dallas, midway between Dallas and Shreveport. Wood County has an estimated population of 41,776 really nice people.

Major Economic Generators

Agriculture

The family farm remains a major part of the culture and the economic vibrancy of Wood County. The Agriculture Industry generates almost a half billion dollars a year to the Wood County economy. Beef livestock, poultry, dairy and sweet potato farming are major drivers for this industry in addition to several major tree growers.

Tourism

Thousands are attracted to Wood County annually by its history, lakes and annual events. Many are building retirement homes and second homes here, lured by the gently rolling hills and the pine, oak and hickory forests. Here they find friendly people, a mild climate, a favorable tax rate and convenient location with excellent access to major metropolitan centers. Wood County includes Lake Fork, one of the top Largemouth Bass lakes in the nation. It is also Wood County’ s largest lake at 27,690 acres. It produced the record largemouth bass caught in the state, weighing in at 18.18 pounds! Lake Winnsboro, Lake Quitman, Lake Hawkins, Lake Holbrook, and Holly Lake are excellent for recreation and make Wood County a water recreation paradise. Wood County has over 40 locations designated by official Texas Historical Markers. Governor Hogg Shrine Park in Quitman honors the first native-born governor of Texas who served from 1891 to 1895. Jarvis Christian College, established in 1912, is located in the piney woods of East Texas near Hawkins. The Old Settlers Reunion in Quitman was started in 1899 and continues annually on the first weekend of August. Winnsboro’ s Autumn Trails has one of the largest trail rides in the country the third weekend of October. Other important festivals include Mineola May Days Bean Festival; Alba Country Fair, Quitman Spring Swing Festival, Hawkins’ Oil, Golden Sweet Potato Festival, and the Yantis Catfish Day. Mineola and Winnsboro are both Texas Main Street Cities striving to preserve their rural smalltown heritage and ambiance. The outstanding golfing facilities throughout Wood County continue to draw interest to the area.

Manufacturing, Production, Logistics, Oil and Gas

Several industries call Wood County “ home” including Keller’ s Creamery and Team Worldwide of Winnsboro. Nestle Waters of North America (Ozarka) is located near Hawkins. Texas Wall Systems, a worldwide manufacturer of window systems, is located in Alba and the East Texas Oil Fields of Wood County continue to produce significant output for Exxon, a major industrial presence in the area. Mineola is home to Trinidad-Benham, Danaplex and Southeastern Lumber (Georgia Pacific). All of these businesses benefit from the rich labor force that exists in Wood County and the surrounding area. A labor force of more than 250,000 resides within an easy commute.

Highway Access

Wood County is located between Interstate 20 to the south and Interstate 30 to the north. Easy access to Wood County can be achieved from both Interstate 20 and Interstate 30. Other major highways bisecting Wood County are US 69, US 80, and Texas Highways 37, 11, 17, 14, and 154.

Air Access

Wood County is home to 3 airports for persons with small aircraft. These are Wood County Airport (between Mineola and Quitman), Mineola Wisener Airport, and Winnsboro Airport. American Eagle serves Tyler Pounds Airport, which is 30 minutes from Wood County. DFW International Airport, approximately 90 miles from Wood County, provides domestic and international travel access.

Train Access

Amtrak, the national rail passenger service, makes daily stops in Mineola with service from both the East and West. The train connects with all cities served by Amtrak.