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San Jacinto County, Texas

You name it - we have it in San Jacinto County. It's no secret that this spot on the Texas Forest Trail offers some of the most beautiful areas in the region. Outdoor recreation is abundant - fishing, swimming, skiing, hiking, birding, boating, hunting, sailing, and much more! The vast history of the area has also been preserved with the area shops, the Old Jail Museum, and the County courthouse as well as a number of historical landmarks. Come visit and discover the secrets of San Jacinto County!

 

County Connections

 RESOURCES

San Jacinto County | Coldspring Chamber of Commerce | City of Shepherd | Shepherd Economic Development Council

 MEDIA

Newspaper:
San Jacinto News Times - (936) 653-2225
Shepherd Community News - (936) 628-6878
Eastex Advocate - (936) 592-2626

 

County Features

  • America's Best Value Inn & Suites - (936) 628-6099 - 4734 Hwy. 59 N, Shepherd - Free internet service, satellite, HBO
  • The Breezes Inn - (936) 653-3525 - Hwy. 150 East, Coldspring - "French Country Elegance with a Good Old Texas Style Panache."
  • Coldspring Cottage - (936) 653-5837 - 3 miles from Lake Livingston on 28 acres in a quiet, secluded, serene setting.
  • Coldspring Sunday Houses - (936) 653-2525 - Hwy. 150 West, Coldspring - Cottages which are fully furnished with full kitchen.
  • The San Jacinto Inn - (936) 653-3008 - Hwy. 150 West, Coldspring - Daily or weekly rentals
  • Waterwood National Resort & Country Club - (936) 891-5211
  • Old Jail Museum and Old Town Coldspring - 1870's collection of historic buildings and memorabilia of yesteryear. The old Jail Museum is housed in a handsome restored jail which was built in 1887. Museum artifacts interpret the life of early settlers with farm and forest implements, household articles, historic photos, and much more. The jail is noted for a rare but never used hangman's trip. Another point of interest is the 1870 Old Town Coldspring - the site of a two-story wooden courthouse destroyed by fire in 1915 along with numerous other historic buildings housing collectibles, crafts, quilts, etc.
  • San Jacinto County Courthouse & Square - Most store structures around the square were built between 1916 and 1923 and continue with the familiar architectural design from the old town which was destroyed by fire in 1915. The current courthouse was completed in 1918 and has been remodeled twice.
  • Coldspring United Methodist Church - The sanctuary was built in 1858 and moved to its present location on Highway 150 at Cemetery Street in 1916. It was restored to the 1870 period in 1973. It is believed to be the oldest Methodist Church in continuous used in Texas today. The outside of the building is its original appearance and architectural structure of the interior is authentic except for a complete reversal of the entry and transept.
  • Courthouse Square - 10am-5pm, Thursday-Saturday, Mary Hughes, (936) 653-4098. A quaint setting of 1916 to 1923 structures which house numerous retail shops with antiques, one-of-a-kind items, and many other unique items, is worth a visit.
  • Lake Livingston Dam & Bridge - (FM 3278) The dam is operated by the Trinity River Authority of Texas. The bridge, which connects San Jacinto and Polk Counties, crosses the Trinity River.
  • Shepherd Caboose - (Highway 150, Shepherd) The historic HE&WT Railway caboose, located in Centennial Park and Gardens, contains the original seats, block ice chests and desk which made up the living quarters of the engineer.
  • Coldspring United Methodist Church - (1 Cemetery Road) Built in 1858, the sanctuary was moved to its present location on Highway 150 in 1916 and restored to the 1870 period in 1973. The church is believed to be the oldest Methodist Church in continuous use in Texas today. The outside of the building has been restored to its original appearance, and the architectural structure of the interior is authentic except for a complete reversal of the entry and transept. (936) 653-2287
  • Historical Markers - Numerous historical markers are located throughout the county, including the San Jacinto County Courthouse which was constructed about 1918 following the destruction by fire of the original courthouse in 1915 at Old Town. The second governor of Texas, George T. Wood, made his home at Point Blank. His grave site is open to the public and is located one mile south of Point Blank overlooking Lake Livingston in Robinson Cemetery.
  • Old Jail Museum and Old Town Coldspring - (2000 North Slade Street) 1870 collection of historic buildings and memorabilia of yesteryear. The old Jail Museum is housed in a handsome restored jail built in 1887. Museum artifacts interpret the life of early settlers with farm and forest implements, household articles, historic photos, and more. The jail is notable for a rare but never used hangman's trip. Another point of interest is Old Town Coldspring, the site of a two-story wooden courthouse destroyed by fire in 1915. Numerous other historic buildings house collectibles, crafts, quilts, etc. Open from 10 am - 4 pm (936) 653-2009.
  • San Jacinto County Courthouse - (1 State Highway 150, Coldspring) (936) 653-4331, 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The current courthouse was completed in 1918 and has been remodeled twice. The architectural design was taken from the original courthouse which was located in Old Town Coldspring and was destroyed by fire in 1915. Open Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (936) 653-4331.

Click the map to get directions.

county map

  • PARKS
  • Double Lake Recreation Area - 301 FM 2025, Coldspring
    Nestled in the towering pines of the Sam Houston National Forest and located just outside the city limits of Coldspring. Double Lake offers a little of everything including camping, fishing, canoeing, picnicking or just getting back in touch with nature. (877) 444-6777
  • Wolf Creek Park - 21 Wolf Creek Park Road (Highway 156 at North Loop 224)
    Water skiing, fishing, hiking, and boating are some of the activities offered in the park. 30 RV campsites requiring full hookups; 54 tent sites with water and electricity; and 19 tent sites with water only. A marina and grocery are located on the premises with everything from boat rentals to bait and provisions. Boat ramps, fishing piers with customer-designed fish cleaning stations, restrooms, hot showering stations and coin-operated washers and dryers are available. A basketball court and playground areas are popular with children. Open March 1 through November 30. (936) 653-4312
  • GOLF COURSES
  • Cape Royale Golf Course - 210 Cape Royale Drive
    Set amidst some of East Texas' most breathtaking landscapes, Cape Royale Golf Course incorporates the natural rolling hills along the western shores of Lake Livingston to bring a unique and welcome change of pace from the "mostly flat" courses in the urban market. (800) 707-7022
  • Waterwood National Resort and Country Club - 1 Waterwood Parkway
    Widely considered among the top golf course designes in America, Waterwood has hosted national championship events and the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying school. (877) 441-5211
  • COUNTRY CLUBS
  • Waterwood National Resort and Country Club - 1 Waterwood Parkway
    Launch your private boat from the full-service marina, or allow them to arrange for a guided tour of Lake Livingston. Waterwood boasts four tennis courts and two swimming pools so you'll never be without a relaxing or exciting way to spend your time. Some of Texas' best natural beauty can be seen here also. (877) 441-5211
  • LAKES
  • Double Lake - 301 FM 2025, Coldspring
    Double Lake is a beautiful spring-fed lake nestled within the Sam Houston National Forest. Camping is available around the lake. Enjoy fishing, canoeing or picnicking. (877) 444-6777
  • Lake Livingston - This huge reservoir contains 90,000 surface acres of water, is surrounded by two million acres, and has a timbered shoreline of 452 miles. The largest single-purpose water supply lake situated entirely within Texas, Lake Livingston provides recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, including fishing, boating, swimming, nature trails for hiking, and sights of beautiful sunsets. Cabins and boats are available to rent and a paved lookout site is available for picture taking and gazing.
  • BIRDING
  • Big Creek Scenic Area - Numerous varieties of beautiful birds are often spotted, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species.
  • Waterwood Wildlife Trail - Listen and watch for pileated woodpeckers, white-eyed vireos, great crested flycatchers, Northern Cardinals, Chickadees, and spring and fall migrants. Around the water you may also see White Pelicans in October, and swallows, scissored-tailed flycatchers and Purple Martins in spring and summer. (877) 441-521
  • BIKING / HIKING / HORSEBACK TRAILS
  • Big Creek Scenic Area - This 1,460-acre testimony to the way things used to look is about five miles from the Double Lake Recreation Area and well worth a visit. There are four hiking loops in the scenic area all under a mile long. Mature trees, wildlife and picturesque terrain abound throughout the entire area. Exotic plants and the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, are often spotted.
  • Lone Star Hiking Trail - A 140-mile long trail which has received National Recreation Trail status is located between Coldspring and Cleveland on FM 2025. The southeast section wanders through the Big Creek Scenic Area. Relatively flat with some wet areas, bridges allow for easy crossing of creeks. The southern portion of the trail follows an old railroad tramway. Trail markers explain directions.
  • Sam Houston National Forest - The forest covers 60% of San Jacinto County - a testament to the natural beauty in this county. Nature trails wind throughout the forest where you can view wild animals, beautiful birds, and see the thick trees and plants.
  • Waterwood Horseback Riding Trails - Six of Waterwood's undeveloped and heavily-forested subdivisions located between Route 190 and the community of Waterwood offer approximately 8 miles of trails for horseback riders and cross-country bicyclists.
  • "After 45 "hustle bustle" years in Houston, we moved to a Lake Livingston subdivision - Camilla Coves in San Jacinto County. This heavily wooded area is quiet, peaceful and serene. Neighbors driving their golf carts stop by for coffee or just to visit. We have several community cook outs, ice cream socials, etc., throughout the year. A lot owner's association enforces deed restrictions and neighbors help neighbors here. The lake is a paradise for recreation and fishing. We have the charm of a country setting with easy access to shopping and a short drive for excellent medical care. This is a dream spot for retirees." - John & Nita Pou
  • EDUCATION
  • Angelina College, based in Lufkin, provides a wide variety of non-credit and credit classes in Shepherd and Coldspring. (936) 653-1116.
  • HEALTHCARE
  • Coldspring Chiropractic Clinic - (936) 653-2958
  • Coldspring Physical Medicine - (936) 936-653-5862
  • Dr. Phil's Family Medicine - (936) 936-653-2679
  • RAJ Medical Center - (936) 628-3000
  • Shepherd Rural Health Clinic - (936) 628-3343
  • Short 1-hour drive from Houston, home of numerous fine medical facilities
  • Guardian EMS provides excellent emergency service for San Jacinto County
  • HOUSING
  • Average new home price: $85,000
  • Subdivisions: (good availability of homes)
    • - Cape Royale - (936) 653-3233
    • - Ragsdale Springs
    • - Waterwood Resort and Country Club - (936) 891-5211
    • - Coldspring Terrace
    • - Lakeview Estates
    • - Camilla Coves
  • POPULATION
  •   2006 Estimate 2000 Census 1990 Census
    Shepherd 2,345 2,029 1,812
    Coldspring 776 691 538
    San Jacinto County 25,313 22,246 16,372
  • TAX RATES (per $100 of Assessed Value)
  • Property
    Shepherd   Coldspring  
    City $ .2650 City $ N/A
    ISD $1.3790 ISD $1.4545
    County $ .4353 County $ .4353
    Sales
    Shepherd   Coldspring  
    State 6.25% State 6.25%
    County .50% County .50%
    City 1.00% City 1.00%
    Economic Development .50%    
    Total 8.50%    
  • VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
  • Shepherd Public Library, Pam Whitmire - (936) 628-3515
  • Coldspring Public Library, Barbara Sheffield - (936) 653-3104
  • Shepherd Senior Citizens - (936) 628-3733
  • Coldspring Senior Citizens, Barbara Wofford - (936) 653-4175
  • Shepherd Chamber of Commerce, Bobby Carter - (936) 628-3890
  • Coldspring Chamber of Commerce, Sandy Carmen - (936) 653-2184
  • Habitat for Humanity - (936) 653-1890
  • Historical Commission, Beth Nix - (936) 653-2009
  • Women's League, Sherma Raymond - (936) 653-2505

10 Day Local Weather Forecast
Temperature: 68°F | Feels Like: 78°F
Sky Conditions: overcast
Conditions: mist | Visibility: 2.5 mi
Last Updated: 07/05/2008 5:00 am