Learn More About Tatum, Texas
Tatum, Texas is a small rural town of approximately 1,440 people located in Panola County in the Northeastern corner of the state. Tatum is located in the northeast corner of the Piney Woods region and is known to provide some excellent hunting opportunities. The city was established in 1882 and was named after a local settler, General Alexander Tatum.
Tatum is famous for its outdoor activities, such as its parks for picnicking and fishing, as well as its vast wildlife. The Sunnybrook Wildlife Management Area, covering almost 14,000 acres, is located just north of Tatum. An historic marker is located at the town square near the conservation area and reads: “Established in 1882 on the Lee-Rusk County line, the town was named for General Alexander Tatum. Later the name was changed to just Tatum when the post office arrived in the late 1880s.”
The primary economic driver of the city is agriculture. Primarily cotton, soybeans, and wheat are grown in the area. Other businesses in Tatum include several stores, restaurants, and banks as well as several churches.
Residents attend school in the Tatum Independent School District and are governed by a mayor and five-member city council. Whether you are looking to get away from it all or looking to enjoy some outdoor activities, Tatum, Texas offers something for everyone.