Guidelines for Researching Historic Properties in Ennis, TX
Ennis Public Library
Look in the City Directories (which are also criss-cross directories). The streets are listed alphabetically and usually at the back of the directory. Look for street and house number. It will tell you who was living there at that time.
Once you have some names, you might check the library’s catalog to see if you can find anything in the Archives Collection.
In the Archive Collection check the house files (by address) to see if there is any information for your house.
A great resource is Historic Resources of Ennis, Texas, 1986, Hardy, Heck, Moore. Survey and inventory of historic properties within city limits. There is also an update prepared in 1997. These surveys may provide additional information about your property, including if it is eligible for or has received designation as a Texas Landmark or National Register of Historic Places.
Ellis County Appraisel District
Provides information on Deed Transfers, including the names of previous owners. Note: the “Year Built” information is often inaccurate; often based on when a property was substantially remodeled (re-valued for property tax purposes) and not the original construction date.
Ellis County Appraisal District Website
Sanborn's Insurance Maps
Online and FREE! Maps are available for Ennis produced at irregular dates from 1884 (earliest) through 1940 (1920 is the latest available online). The map is shown in sections with an index key. Maps provide an outline of principal structures and outbuildings with notations on type of construction, number of stories, etc. We suggest starting with the latest (usually 1925) and working your way back.
UT Austin’s Perry Castaneda Collection Website
Ancestry
Online. Look at the census records for Ennis, Ellis County, TX 1880-1940. Once you have found names of previous residents of your property this can provide a wealth of information.
Find a Grave
Online and FREE! You can find a lot of additional information here.
Ellis County Courthouse
If you still want more information you can go to the Ellis County Courthouse (new building) and loo up property deeds, mechanics liens, wills, etc.
There are two Historic Districts and several neighborhood Conservation Districts within the City of Ennis that have specific requirements pertaining to structures within the districts, including guidelines for renovating/modifying the exterior appearance of properties and features. A Certificate of Appropriateness may need to be requested in addition to obtaining building or remodeling permits. CLICK HERE for the Unified Development Ordinance.