Waxahachie (pronounced Wawks uh hatchie), population 19,000, is located approximately 30 miles south of Dallas on Interstate 35E. The name comes from the Indian word for "cow creek". Founded in 1851, it is the county seat of Ellis, County.
Waxhachie is known as the gingerbread city because of its Victorian architecture. Many old homes displaying intricate wood carvings attest to the era when woodworking craftsmanship was a mark of distinction. The annual Gingerbread Trail, held the first weekend in June, features tours of the old homes, vintage autos, arts and crafts, and much more. The normally laid-back, progressive country atmosphere comes alive with the memories of the "good old days".
The county courthouse is steeped with history and mystique. Built in 1895 at a cost of $175,000., it is constructed of red granite shipped from Burnet county. Unusual faces ranging from a beautiful young girl to hideous, disfigured gargoyles adorn the edifice. The sculptors came from Italy and the legend is that Harry Hurley fell in love with a beautiful, local girl named Mabel Frame. His initial carvings immortalized her beauty. When she rejected his attention, his carving turned to ugly, twisted, tortured grimaces. Those faces look down on passers-by to this day.
Waxahachie's Chautauqua Auditorium, located in Getzendaner Park, was built in 1902. This unique octagonal amphitheater is the only one of its kind in Texas, and one of three in the U.S. It has been designated a Texas State Historical Building and has been placed on the National register of Historical Buildings and Sites. Texans from all over the state came by covered wagon, surrey, on horseback, and any means at their disposal to hear such American greats as William Jennings Bryan and Will Rogers. For two weeks each July, Getzendaner Park became a "tent city" where entire families came and camped out. The auditorium was used for high school graduation ceremonies until the mid-sixties.
