Region: Prairies and Lakes
The city's name comes from a Native American word meaning "cow (or buffalo)
creek." Now the seat of Ellis County, the town was once squarely on the Chisholm
Trail as part of the Shawnee Trail. Waxahachie is noted for an abundance of
elaborate Victorian-style homes with "gingerbread" trim. Several movies have
been made in the city featuring its old buildings and homes. For a map of these
sites, visit the chamber of commerce.
Bessie Coleman, born in Atlanta, grew up here. She became the first black
person in the world to become a licensed pilot in June 1921. The late Paul
Richards—a longtime player and manager for the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore
Orioles, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves—also called Waxahachie home. He also
served as special advisor to Eddie Chiles and the Texas Rangers. Richards Field,
named in his honor, is the home field of the high school baseball
team.