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Sabine County Extension Office
PO Box 229
Hemphill, TX 75948-0229

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Welcome to Sabine County Extension

In 1835, shortly before Texas won its independence from Mexico, Sabine County became a port of entry for new settlers arriving from the United States. Gaines? Ferry shuttled horses, wagons, and settlers across the river at Pendleton. Today, at the same site, a modern three-mile bridge stretches across Toledo Bend Reservoir between Texas and Louisiana. Sabine county is one of the original counties in Texas and was organized in 1837. The county seat is located in Hemphill and other towns in the county are Pineland, Brookeland, Bronson, Geneva and Milam. Agricultural enterprises in the county include timber, beef cattle and hay and forages. With the development of Toledo Bend Reservoir tourism and recreation have become very popular in Sabine county. Sabine County

Some of the interesting landmarks that you will find in Sabine County include the courthouse, one of East Texas? best known landmarks. The courthouse square in Hemphill, one of the most unusual in East Texas, is surrounded by quaint buildings, antique stores, and gift shops. The courthouse was completed around 1910. The county jail, which still stands on the corner of the square, was completed around 1902 and is now a museum and library. Another equally unique attraction is the ancient cedar tree that stands on the opposite corner of the jail on the square. Domino players gather daily to enjoy the shade that has been provided for generations.

Sabine County residents have a deep reverence for their landmarks. Among them are the historic McMahon?s Chapel, the oldest Protestant Church still in existence, and the Gaines-Oliphant House, recognized by Texas as the oldest still standing log cabin in the state.

Long before Hemphill became the county seat in 1858, Milam was the center of Sabine County. Once called Red Mound, it was the first community to greet Texas immigrants. Among them Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, and Sam Houston. Milam also is known for Milam Settlers Day, and event held every autumn.

At Pineland, Sabine County?s lumbering history is reflected in an old logging locomotive, a railroad depot, and unique collection of sawmill homes. The town?s history is celebrated during odd-numbered years with the observance of Pineland Days.

Two other Sabine County towns, Brookeland and Bronson, also have ties to the railroad and lumbering industries. Brookeland can also boast as being the only town in Sabine County on Lake Sam Rayburn.

The Sabine County Cooperative Extension provides informal education to residents in the areas of food and nutrition, clothing, housing, agriculture including beef and forestry, natural resources, and 4-H and youth development as suggested by local committees.