Welcome to Rains County!

The birth of Rains County came about in 1870 by taking in land from
the surrounding counties of Wood, Van Zandt, Hunt, and Hopkins Counties. Rains County and Emory, the County Seat, received its name from
Mr. Emory Rains, Republic of Texas Leader. Emory Rains was born in
Warren County, Tennessee, and moved to Texas in 1817. Emory Rains held many public offices and his life was devoted to that of a public servant.
In 1866, Emory Rains rode a mule to Austin, Texas, for the purpose of getting a bill introduced to create Rains County. Emory Rains died on March 3, 1878,
of an apparent stroke, and is buried in the City Cemetery in Emory, Texas.

Rains County is situated between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork. Rains County consists of the following towns: Emory (County Seat), Point, East Tawakoni, and part of Alba, some of Lone Oak, and communities such as: Hogansville, Lake Fork, Flats, Sand Flat, Ginger, Smyrna, Dougherty, and Richland.

Rains County is mainly an agricultural county with most of the income coming from beef cattle, dairy cattle, hay, and vegetables.

In 1996, Rains County was declared Eagle Capital of Texas. Eagles are numerous on Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni, and an annual festival is held to honor the eagles.

The 78th Annual Rains County Fair will be held September 8 - 13, 2008. Schedule of Events include: Gospel Singing, Chili Cook Off, Pageant Contests, Junior Livestock Show & Sale, Classic Car Show (which continues to grow larger each year), carnival rides, country & western band and dance, creative arts exhibits, Agricultural Mechanics Silent Auction, Mutton Bustin Contest, 42 Domino Tournament, parade, Pet Show, and tons of great food for everyone to enjoy!