Kaufman County Poor Farm
Texas Highway 34 and FM 1388, Kaufman, Kaufman County
In 1869, the State of Texas directed the responsibility for the care of its poor residents to the counties. Many county governments created poor farms where the residents could live and work to support themselves. Today, efforts by historians and genealogists have identified poor farms in various conditions. In Texas and across the nation, interests in family history have sparked a renewed enthusiasm in the history of these institutions. For the last 30 years, the Kaufman County Historical Commission has tirelessly worked to preserve the remaining 27 acres, various 19th and 20th century buildings, and vintage farm implements of the Kaufman County Poor Farm.

The size and complexity of the Poor Farm property have overwhelmed the efforts of volunteers as financial and human resources are scarce. PT hopes this listing, will bring statewide attention to the efforts of Kaufman County and other local communities struggling to find a way to preserve the history of an important institution of Texas history.