Community

City of Hemphill, Texas-A Home for a Day or a Lifetime

Whether you are looking for a place to stay off the beaten path for a vacation or for a lifetime, you will find Hemphill, Texas, one of the most welcoming and relaxing communities in the state.  As mayor of the City of Hemphill, I would like to invite you to visit our city tucked away in the scenic Pineywoods of East Texas.  Hemphill, founded in 1858, is the seat of Sabine County, a vast timber area, which is rich in Texas history. The City of Hemphill was incorporated in December of 1939. 

Today, Hemphill is a commercial center for lumber and a major gateway to the immense Toledo Bend Reservoir; therefore, it is a mecca for fishing, hunting, and water related activities.   The Bassmaster Elite Series designated Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana-Texas border as a renowned fishery, and B.A.S.S/Bassmaster Magazine announced that the lake has earned the top spot on Bassmaster’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list for 2015 and 2016, In 2019, B.A.S.S/Bassmaster Magazine listed the lake as the number four lake in the Central United States; therefore, it attracts amateur and professional fisherman from around the globe.  A gallows, more than 80 years old, is still in place in the four-cell county jail museum, and our city is home to the Patricia Huffman Smith “Remembering Columbia” NASA Museum.  Our city and county are rich in Texas history. 

The City of Hemphill has a current population of 1239 and is a General Law Type A municipality, which elects a mayor and five alderman at-large; in addition, the City operates under the City Manager form of government in which the council passes legislation and policy and the City Manager implements the laws and policy.  The population of Sabine County is approximately 10,600.  The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City.  At the City of Hemphill, we are working to enhance the quality of life, to improve city services, and to provide transparent and accountable governance.  Hemphill is located close to the border between Texas and Louisiana; therefore, we are close to the larger cities of Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Center, Beaumont, and Shreveport, Louisiana. Hemphill is surrounded by the Sabine National Forest and Toledo Bend Reservoir.

The City of Hemphill owns its municipal utilities which are electric, water, natural gas, and sewer, and, as such, the city obtains revenue from these utilities as well as from general sales and use tax; therefore, the City does not currently assess a property tax.  The City provides assistance to the JR Huffman Public Library, East Sabine Senior Services, Hemphill Housing Authority, the Hemphill Dixie League, Patricia Huffman Smith “Remembering Columbia” NASA Museum, our local Salvation Army, and the Hemphill Volunteer Fire Department; in addition, the City provides four full-time police officers for police protection within the city limits.  The City also provides garbage, animal control, parks, and solid waste disposal services.  The City also prides itself in working with our state and other local governments as well as community organizations to make a better community for everyone.  The City also has affordable housing and is also home to Hemphill I.S.D and Sabine County Hospital.  The City has two health, rehabilitation, and nursing home facilities within minutes of the city center.  City officials in conjunction with other county officials are currently pursuing economic development strategies and opportunities to further develop our city and county, which we expect to come to fruition within the next few years.  The City also has affordable and reliable internet service in the City and throughout the County, but City and County officials are working with Deep East Texas Council of Governments to bring more internet options to our city and county.  In addition, City and County officials are working with local officials to designate our downtown district a historical area and to work on downtown revitalization. 

At the City of Hemphill and in Sabine County, we take pride in the fact that our citizens are both friendly, helpful, and altruistic; for example, during the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, our citizens banded together to provide help and assistance to recovery workers and to help in the recovery.  The City of Hemphill is definitely a unique community, but we also feel that our community is one of the most friendly, peaceful, and welcoming places in the state and nation that you can choose to visit or to live.  Bring your family and friends for a day or for a lifetime. 

Robert Hamilton

Mayor