Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Texas
Founded in 1836, Shelby County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Shelby County was one of the original 23 counties. The city of Center is the county seat. With FIPS code of 419, Shelby County has a population of 23,939 and area of 794 square miles (2,056 km²).
List of all cities in Shelby County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexanders Store, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Antioch, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Caledonia, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Campti, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Center, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Choice, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Dreka, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| East Hamilton, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| East Liberty, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Eulalie, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Flat Fork, TX | 75974 | 936 |
| Goober Hill, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Good Hope, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Grigsby, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Halbert, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Hanson, TX | 75954 | 936 |
| Haslam, TX | 75954 | 936 |
| Hurstown, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Huxley, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| James, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Jericho, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Joaquin, TX | 75954 | 936 |
| Jordans Store, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Meldrum, TX | 75974 | 936 |
| Neuville, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| New Harmony, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Patroon, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Pauls Store, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Paxton, TX | 75954 | 936 |
| Ramah, TX | 75974 | 936 |
| Shelbyville, TX | 75973 | 936 |
| Short, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Silas, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Stockman, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Tenaha, TX | 75974 | 936 |
| Tenoka, TX | 75974 | 936 |
| Timpson, TX | 75975 | 936 |
| Waterman, TX | 75935 | 936 |
| Woods, TX | 75974 | 936 |
Major Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Texas
Center
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 8.4 square miles
- Population: 5,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 75935
- Latitude: 31.7836° N
- Longitude: 94.1843° W
Location and History
Center is the county seat of Shelby County, located in East Texas, about 120 miles northeast of Houston. The town was established in the early 1830s, and its name comes from its central location within the county. Center grew rapidly in the mid-19th century as a key stop along major transportation routes, including the Nacogdoches Road, and served as a hub for surrounding agricultural communities. During the Civil War, Center was a focal point for Confederate activity, with many of its residents supporting the South. The town’s economy was initially based on cotton, but after the railroad reached the area in the 1880s, the timber industry took off, bringing further growth. Today, Center remains a vital community in the region, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The town’s rich history, combined with its economic diversification, continues to make it a cornerstone of Shelby County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Center is served by the Center Independent School District, which includes Center High School, Center Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a wide array of academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities for students of all ages. Major landmarks in Center include the Shelby County Courthouse, an iconic 1902 Beaux-Arts style building that serves as the center of county government. The Courthouse Square, with its historic buildings and local shops, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Another important landmark is the East Texas Poultry Festival, which celebrates the region’s history in poultry farming and brings the community together every fall. The Texas Trail of Tears Memorial Park, located just outside the town, is dedicated to the history of Native American removal during the 1830s and provides a sobering reminder of the region’s tragic history. The city’s historical museums and the nearby Sabine National Forest offer residents and tourists opportunities to explore the area’s cultural and natural heritage.
Joaquin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 700 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 75954
- Latitude: 31.9936° N
- Longitude: 94.3027° W
Location and History
Joaquin is a small town located in the northeastern part of Shelby County, near the Texas-Louisiana border. The town’s origins date back to the early 19th century, with European settlers establishing the community around 1837. Joaquin was named after the Mexican general and leader Joaquín de Arista, who was a key figure during the Mexican-American War. The town developed as a rural farming community and became known for its cotton and timber industries. Joaquin’s population fluctuated throughout the 20th century, with a period of decline after the Great Depression but also a resurgence in the post-World War II era. Although small in size, Joaquin retains a strong sense of local identity and pride. Today, the town is primarily residential with a focus on agriculture, particularly timber and livestock.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Joaquin is served by the Joaquin Independent School District, which includes Joaquin High School and Joaquin Elementary School. The district provides a close-knit educational environment, with opportunities for students to participate in local sports and academic activities. Major landmarks in Joaquin include the Joaquin Community Center, a hub for local gatherings, events, and celebrations. The town is also known for its annual Joaquin Homecoming, which brings residents and visitors together for food, music, and fellowship. Another important local site is the Joaquin Cemetery, which holds the graves of early settlers and notable figures in the town’s history. Though small, Joaquin is home to a tight-knit community that values its rural heritage and traditions. Residents enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to nature, and the strong sense of belonging that defines life in this historic East Texas town.