Whitehouse is a city in Smith County. The community was named in 1845 but was not officially incorporated until 1953 by James Calhoun who was an auctioneer for Tyler land grants. The city's school district, Whitehouse ISD, preceded the incorporated municipal government and was in part responsible for the formation of the city.
Whitehouse residents primarily worked as farmers or worked to support agriculture in some way. Other employment options became more readily available following transportation innovations after World War II.
It is said the city was named "Whitehouse" by railroad engineers who stopped in the city by a white-washed community building.
Today WISD is made up of seven schools. the Whitehouse ISD is highly regarded throughout East Texas and is noted as a reason for the city's increased growth.
