City of Ovilla

Sitting on upper Red Oak Creek in northern Ellis County, Ovilla is the oldest town in the county. It began in 1844 as a fortified settlement. The area grew as settlers arrived to attend brush arbor meetings of the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which was started by Rev. Finis E. King in 1847. As of 2023, the population is estimated at 4,300. Ovilla encompasses about 6 square miles with a median resident age of 37.3 years.