This seat of Jones County was founded in 1881 and named for Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. This is one of richest farming areas in Texas. Cattle, oil, gas and gypsum products add to the economy.

Each December since 1885, The Cowboys' Christmas Ball is held in Pioneer Hall. The event was popularized by Michael Martin Murphey's musical rendition of the "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball." www.ansoncowboyschristmasball.com.

The "Cowboy Dance" mural by Jenne Magafan in the post office is one of the best preserved post office murals authorized by the section of Fine Arts within the Treasury Department during Franklin Roosevelt's administration.