Terrell is located in Texas' Kaufman County, located about 32 miles east of Dallas. Developed as a railroad town in 1873, the city was named after Robert A. Terrell, a pioneer from Europe who lived on a farm on the western edge.

The 100-acre Ben Gill Park offers residents a variety of recreational activities, with several indoor and outdoor options, including an illuminated tennis court, playground, and outdoor amphitheater. It also hosts the Terrell Jubilee every April, which features a barbecue cook-off, museum tours, arts and crafts, live music, a quilt show, a car show, and so much more. Professional concerts with renowned artists from around the world can be found at the annual Terrell Music Festival, the largest music festival in the state of Texas.

Terrell is home to Trinity Valley Community College, which runs the Kaufman County Campus in the city, as well as the Southwestern Christian College.

The airport has been an integral part of the Terrell community for over 40 years, providing residents and visitors with access to a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities. It was also named airport of the year 2014 by the Texas Department of Transportation for general aviation. A unique history is preserved in the planning and construction of this historic building with its unique architecture and architectural features.

Terrell Municipal Airport is home to the Texas Air National Guard Flying School, which has extensive experience. Terrell Air Force Base, home to the US Army Air Forces, is dedicated to those who were trained during the war and earned an airfield during World War II.

Terrell State Hospital received 2,300 patients in its first year of operation, making it the largest hospital in the state of Texas and the third largest in North America. The Military College site was purchased in 1949 by Southern Biblical College in Dallas, a subsidiary of Texas State University, and renamed Southwestern Christian.