Johnson County, Texas is a county within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the larger North Texas region. Its county seat is Cleburne, Texas and it is located south of Tarrant County and Fort Worth. Johnson County is a predominantly rural county although suburban sprawl from Fort Worth has penetrated into the county and the northernmost communities, particularly Burleson and Mansfield, are suburbanized.
Johnson County, Texas is a county located in the north-central part of the state. It was founded in 1854 and named after Middleton Johnson, a Texas Ranger who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. With a rich history, diverse economy, and natural beauty, Johnson County offers a high quality of life for its residents.
Johnson County history
The county is steeped in history, with evidence of Native American tribes dating back thousands of years. The first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, and by the mid-1800s, the county was an important hub for trade and transportation. During the Civil War, Johnson County played a significant role, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at various times.
Today, Johnson County is a thriving community with a population of over 175,000 people. The county covers an area of 734 square miles and borders several other counties, including Tarrant, Ellis, and Hill. The county seat is located in the city of Cleburne, which is also the largest city in the county.
Geography
The topography of Johnson County is varied, with rolling hills, forests, and prairies. The county is home to several lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Pat Cleburne and Lake Whitney, which provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The county also boasts several parks and nature preserves, including the Cleburne State Park and the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum.
In terms of the economy, Johnson County is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education. The county is home to several major employers, including Huguley Memorial Medical Center, Wal-Mart, and Hill College. The job market in Johnson County is strong, with low unemployment rates and a growing number of opportunities in a variety of fields.
Businesses and attractions in Johnson County, Texas
There are also plenty of attractions and events in Johnson County, including museums, historic sites, and annual festivals. The Layland Museum of History offers a fascinating glimpse into the county’s past, while the Rio Brazos Music Hall provides entertainment for music lovers. The county is also home to several annual events, including the Chisholm Trail Days festival and the Johnson County Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion.
Education is a top priority in Johnson County, with several public and private schools serving students of all ages. The county is home to several public school districts, including Cleburne ISD, Joshua ISD, and Alvarado ISD. There are also several private schools in the area, including Nolan Catholic High School and St. Paul Lutheran School. For higher education, Johnson County is home to Hill College, which offers a range of academic programs and vocational training.
Healthcare is also a key industry in Johnson County, with several hospitals and medical centers serving the community. Huguley Memorial Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the county and offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and oncology. There are also several health clinics and urgent care facilities in the area, making healthcare easily accessible to residents.
In terms of lifestyle and culture, Johnson County offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities. The cost of living in the area is relatively low, making it an affordable option for families and individuals. There are several shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the county, including the Cleburne Downtown Square, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. The community is also active and engaged, with numerous events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Looking to the future, Johnson County is poised for continued growth and development. The county has several infrastructure projects in the works, including the expansion of Highway 67 and the construction of new housing developments. The county is also committed to preserving its natural resources and protecting the environment, with several initiatives focused on sustainability and conservation.
County Government in Johnson County
The county government in Johnson County is similar to other counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county’s chief administration is the Commissioner’s Court. Although the Commissioner’s Court is run by a judge it is not a judicial entity like most courts in Texas and does not hear litigation. Instead the judicial role is administrative in Johnson County. The Commissioner’s Court acts similar to a city council for a city. They set policy and budgets for the county’s responsibilities within its borders. They also oversee certain administrative districts within the county.
The Johnson County government is responsible for county operations within the county borders and has direct authority over all unincorporated areas within the county. Incorporated cities may be subject to rules set forth by the county but the county government does not have direct authority or oversight over the city government. Each incorporated city in Texas is a sovereign entity.
Johnson County is primarily a rural county although as suburban sprawl from Fort Worth continues to grow south an increasing amount of Johnson County will suburbanize and Cleburne itself may one day become an urban center in the DFW area much like Denton. Cities in Johnson County include Alvarado, Briaroaks, Burleson, Cleburne, Coyote Flats, Cresson, Cross Timber, Crowley, Godley, Grandview, Joshua, Keene, Mansfield, Rio Vista and Venus.
Courts in Johnson County
Johnson County courts are similar to other county courts in the DFW area. Cities in Johnson County operate municipal courts that oversee violations of city ordinances and low level criminal offenses. Johnson County operates multiple Justice of the Peace courts that also hear minor criminal offenses and certain civil cases. The county has two county courts at law that preside over mid-range criminal offenses and various civil matters. The county has three district courts. They preside over the most serious criminal offenses and much of the civil litigation.
Appeals from Johnson County go to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals for Texas. The county is within the Northern District of Texas for federal litigation.
Sources
http://www.johnsoncountytx.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_County,_Texas
Crowley, Texas
Crowley, Texas is a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas primarily in Tarrant County with a small portion in Johnson County. It is part of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and the larger North Texas region. The town neighbors Benbrook, Joshua, Edgecliff Village, Rendon and Burleson, Texas. Crowley, like much of Tarrant County, Texas, was settled by Anglo-Americans from the United States in the 1840s. The community moved a mile to the west along railroads in the 1880s after railways laid lines in the area. The town gained its name from the master of transportation for the railroad. The town incorporated in 1951. Today it is largely a residential suburb of Fort Worth.
The town receives services from its city government and each county respectively. Students attend Crowley ISD and local private schools. The courts overseeing Crowley, Texas primarily involve the Tarrant County, Texas and Johnson County, Texas county and district courts. Crowley is also within the United States Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division for federal lawsuits.
Burleson, Texas
Burleson, Texas is a town on the south side of Fort Worth, Texas split between Johnson County, Texas and Tarrant County, Texas. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the larger North Texas region. Many Burleson, Texas residents have their cases heard in Johnson County; however, there are parts of the town within Tarrant County. Before considering any legal action you should carefully determine in which county you reside. When children are part of the legal issue then you may also need to assess in which county they reside.
Rail lines arrived in the latter part of the nineteenth century through the North Texas region. The MKT line extended service from Denison to Waco, Texas. Railways desired a depot south of (downtown) Fort Worth. The railway selected the location that is today Burleson, Texas. The rail line purchased land for a depot and a city surrounding the depot that is today Old Town Burleson. The first lot sold in October 1881 and the town was born.
The town received its name from the president of Baylor University. The city continued to develop through its connection to the railroad. As rail travel slowed in the twentieth century it suffered. Manufacturing developed in the town and as suburban sprawl brought the DFW economy to the town, the population has grown as a quieter suburb on the south side of Fort Worth with continuing suburban growth for the foreseeable future.