Before the turn of the Century and well into the 20's, the town of Waxahachie and Ellis County were among the most wealthy and influential areas in Texas.  Cotton was KING. The rich dark earth of the black land region of Texas produced tremendous crops of cotton which led to the growth of all sorts of assorted industry and commerce for the area.

With this newfound wealth, many of the businessmen, farmers, bankers and industrialists during this time built large beautiful homes for their families.  Many beautiful public buildings were constructed in the city as well.  The Gingerbread Trail