Hardin County, Texas
Hardin County is nestled in the Big Thicket region of Southeast Texas, where towering pine forests blend with winding bayous and wetlands. Kountze, the county seat, sits at the heart of the county, while Lumberton is the largest city and has experienced significant growth in recent years.
Despite that growth, much of Hardin County still maintains a peaceful rural character and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Big Thicket National Preserve is a major attraction, with trails for hiking and abundant wildlife to discover. Visitors may even catch sight of an alligator along the waterways.
Village Creek State Park is another popular destination, especially for canoeing, camping, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Hardin County also has a colorful past, including a reputation for bootlegging and other activity during the Prohibition era. T
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Hardin County |
| County Seat | Kountze |
| Population | Approximately 60,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Kountze, Lumberton, Silsbee, Sour Lake, Batson |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 69, U.S. Highway 96, State Highway 326 |
| FIPS Code | 48-199 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 897 square miles (890 sq mi land, 7 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Tyler County (North), Jasper County (East), Orange County (Southeast), Jefferson County (South), Liberty County (Southwest), Polk County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°20’N, 94°23’W |
| Etymology | Named after the Hardin family, earliest settlers of Liberty County |
| Major Landmarks | Big Thicket National Preserve, Village Creek State Park, Kirby-Hill House Museum |
