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The mission of Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Johnson County is improving the lives of people, businesses, and communities across Texas and beyond through high quality, relevant education. Program areas include agriculture and natural resources, community economic development, family and consumer sciences and 4-H and youth development.
Created on February 13, 1854, Johnson County was named for Col. Middleton T. Johnson, a veteran of the Mexican War and a Texas Ranger. Col. Johnson was a South Carolinian who, for his services in the Mexican War, was granted land in Tarrant County and was active in its organization.
The first county seat, Wardville, was established on the Nolan River. Because Wardville was not sufficiently near the county's center, Buchanan succeeded it in 1856. After our neighbor, Hood County, was formed from Johnson County territory, Buchanan was no longer in the center of the county. In March 1867, Camp Henderson became the seat of government. Its name was changed to honor Confederate General Patrick Cleburne, under whom many Johnson County soldiers served.
Johnson County is a diverse blend of urban sprawl and rural living. Cleburne has an estimated population of 29,000, followed by Burleson at 26,000 and smaller towns and communities which include: Alvarado, Covington, Godley, Grandview, Joshua, Keene, Lillian, Rio Vista and Venus.
While Johnson County enjoys a broad base of industry, agriculture remains as a strong economic factor. A large number of residents also work in the DFW/Metroplex area and commute to work.
Residents enjoy a variety of year-round outdoor recreation, including Cleburne State Park Recreational Area which includes hiking and biking, camping; and a lake for fishing, sailing, swimming, and canoeing; two advance educational facilities: Hill College and Southwestern Adventist University; and the Layland Museum. |
