If you’re driving about an hour southeast of Dallas and see a sign for a place called Gun Barrel City, you’re probably going to do a double-take. It sounds like something straight out of a Spaghetti Western. You might even expect to see tumbleweeds and a sheriff with a silver star waiting for you at the city limits.
The short answer, for those just looking for the logistics, is that Gun Barrel City is in Henderson County, Texas. But honestly, just knowing the county name doesn't really tell you why this place exists or why it has such a wild name. It isn't an old frontier town from the 1800s. In fact, it's pretty young. It was born out of a massive construction project in the 1960s and a very specific Texan desire to, well, buy a beer legally.
Why Everyone Asks What County is Gun Barrel City In
Henderson County is a big slice of East Texas, and Gun Barrel City sits right on its northwestern edge. It hugs the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, which is basically the lifeblood of the community. Most people asking about the county are usually trying to figure out local jurisdictions for real estate, boat registrations, or just settling a road trip debate.
The city is bordered by Mabank to the north and faces Seven Points across the water. If you’re looking at a map, it’s about 20 miles northwest of Athens (the county seat) and roughly 55 miles from the Dallas metroplex.
Because the town is so tied to the lake, it’s often lumped in with Kaufman County or Van Zandt County by mistake, especially since the lake itself spans multiple lines. But Gun Barrel City itself is firmly a Henderson County resident.
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The Wild History of a Not-So-Old Town
You’d think a place called Gun Barrel City would have been settled by some legendary gunslinger in 1845. Not even close.
The town didn't even exist as an incorporated city until 1969. Before that, the area was mostly known as the Old Bethel Community. Everything changed when the Tarrant County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 decided to dam up Cedar Creek to create a reservoir for Fort Worth’s water supply.
When the lake filled up, people started flocking to the shoreline. Small fishing cabins turned into permanent homes. By the late 60s, the locals realized they had a problem: the area was "dry." If you wanted to buy beer or wine, you were out of luck.
To fix this, they decided to incorporate as a formal city. On May 26, 1969, they officially became Gun Barrel City. Why that name? It came from Gun Barrel Lane (now State Highway 198), a road that had been around since the 20s and 30s.
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Outlaws and Shotguns
There’s a bit of local grit behind the name, too. Back during Prohibition, this part of Henderson County was thick with backwoods and muddy trails. It was a perfect hiding spot for folks who didn't want to be found. Legend has it that even Bonnie and Clyde hung out around here occasionally.
There was a guy named C.L. Wait who lived along that old lane. Apparently, he was famous for sitting at his window with a shotgun barrel poking out to make sure "unwelcome" visitors kept moving. Between that and the straightness of the road, the name stuck. Today, the city’s motto is "We Shoot Straight With You," and their logo features a rifle and crossed pistols. It's a bold choice, but it fits the vibe.
Life in the Heart of Cedar Creek Lake
As of 2026, the population has climbed toward 7,000 residents. It’s no longer just a weekend getaway for fishermen. It’s a legitimate hub.
If you’re visiting, you’ll notice a weird but charming mix of old-school lake life and modern convenience. You’ve got your big retailers like Lowe's and Walmart, but then you’ve got local spots like the Jalapeno Tree or Hector’s.
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What to Actually Do There
- Gun Barrel City Park: This is the center of the community. It’s got everything from disc golf to a dog park. They even have a catch-and-release pond if you don't feel like launching a boat into the big lake.
- Cedar Creek Reservoir: This is why people come here. It’s the fourth-largest lake in Texas. Whether you’re into bass fishing, jet skiing, or just floating with a cold drink, this is the spot.
- The Festivals: July Fest is huge. It’s a massive concert and fireworks show that draws people from all over Henderson County. They also do a big Christmas parade that feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie, just with more camo.
The Reality of Living in Henderson County
Henderson County isn't just about the lake. It's a place where the rules are a bit different than the big city. Taxes are generally lower than in Dallas or Tarrant counties, which is why you see so many "empty nesters" selling their big suburban homes to move out here.
However, keep in mind that being in a lake town means things get crowded on holiday weekends. Traffic on Highway 334 can get pretty backed up when everyone is trying to get their boats in the water at the same time. Also, being in East Texas, you’re going to deal with humidity and mosquitoes that are basically the size of small birds.
Actionable Tips for Visiting or Moving to Gun Barrel City
If you’re planning a trip or thinking about a move to this part of Henderson County, here’s how to handle it like a local:
- Check the Lake Levels: Before you haul a boat out there, check the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) website. If it’s been a dry summer, some of the private docks might be sitting in the mud.
- Permit Your Boathouse: If you're buying property, remember that the TRWD owns the land under the water. You need a specific permit for boathouses and piers.
- Eat Local: Skip the chains for at least one meal. Go find a hole-in-the-wall catfish place.
- Mind the Speed: The local police take the speed limits on the main drags pretty seriously. Don't be the person getting a ticket on Gun Barrel Lane.
Henderson County is a unique part of Texas, and Gun Barrel City is easily its most colorful inhabitant. It’s a place that knows exactly what it is—a straightforward, water-loving town that isn't afraid of its quirky history.