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Cultural History

From a restored 19th century village to the oldest continually operating Protestant church in the state, Texas Forest Country is cradled in history. Take your time sampling its unique heritage that spans the centuries.

Angelina | Houston | Jasper | Nacogdoches | Newton | Panola | Polk | Sabine | San Augustine | San Jacinto | Shelby | Trinity | Tyler

 

Angelina County

  • Historically, Angelina County dates back to 1846, when Texas, then a separate republic, joined the United States, precipitating the creation of 254 counties in the new state. Angelina County, named for an Indian maiden who befriended Spanish missionaries in the 1600s, was carved from the southern part of Nacogdoches County. Lufkin traces its beginnings to 1882 when the Houston, East , and West Railroad ran its narrow-gauge tracks northward in to the East Texas forests, triggering the establishment of dozens of new communities.

    Named for Abraham P Lufkin, a Galveston merchant and friend of railroader Paul Bremond, Lufkin began as a crossroad settlement, but soon attracted businesses and professionals from Homer, then the county seat of Angelina County. As a result, Homer became a ghost town. The city of Lufkin's growth soared in the late 1930s and 40s with the establishment of several major industries.

    Today, Lufkin and Angelina County offer a unique combination of friendly families, quiet neighborhoods, and one of the most dynamic business communities in Texas. It is a great place to raise a family and enjoy outdoor activities found in the forested lake country of East Texas.
 

Houston County

  • Crockett Depot and Museum: The 1909 Railroad Depot has been converted to a "Discover Houston County Visitors Center & Museum". This historic site provides exhibits relating to the history of Houston County, it's 53 communities and cities.

  • Historical Markers: Over 265 historic sites located throughout Houston County are listed on the National Registry, and reflect the rich heritage in the First County of the Republic of Texas. A list of marker sites can be obtained from the Houston County Historical Commission located at the County Courthouse.

  • Historic Homes: There are many historic homes throughout Houston County. Three in Crockett are open for public tours.

    • The Downes-Aldrich Home at 206 N. 7th street is a combination of Victorian, Queen Anne, and Eastlake architectures. Built in 1893, it has been completely restored. For tour information, call (936) 544-4804.
    • The Monroe-Crook House at 707 East Houston Avenue is known as one of the finest early Greek-Revival homes in Texas. Completely restored, it was originally built in 1854. For tour information, call (936) 544-5820.

  • Old Town Crockett: Bar-B-Q, Steak, Music, old buildings, Sounds of yesteryear ... the train whistles through the backside of Crockett, Old Churches, the Eliza Bishop Depot Museum and the spring where Davy Crocket Camped 1836 are all a part of Old Town. On Camp Street, you'll find a life-size statue of Lightnin' Hopkins by artist Jim Jeffries and the Runnel's 1930's Corn Crib & Country Garden. Davy Crockett Spring and Brewer Park-newly rennovated. Davy Crockett Mural, 6 flags that flew over Texas, Strode-Pritchett log cabin, Rail Fence, train passing throughout the day, Juanita B's garden and flowers and all located on the El Camino Real on West Goliad.

  • Crockett Public Library: Includes an extensive genealogy collection, numerous oil paintings of area architecture, historical people and places, hot spot for computer hookups, and audio and video cd's.

 

Jasper County

  • Beaty Orton House - Take a tour of this elegant Victorian style home and step back in time. Tours are available Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm; just call and make an appointment. Corner of Main and Water, (409) 384-7905 / (409) 384-2650
  • Belle-Jim Bed & Breakfast - Built in 1910 by Mamie Patten, this bed and breakfast has been recently restored to its original condition. Open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm. Corner of Austin and Lamar, (409) 384-6923
  • Swann Hotel - A Bed & Breakfast, they're also open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm. Corner of Main and Milam, (409) 489-9010
  • Old Jasper Jail - The Old Jail still sits on the Courthouse Square and contains all the County's records. The Historical Commission is also housed in this building. If you are looking for historical information, it's a great place to start!

  • Jasper County Courthouse - Jasper County made Texas history in March of 1993. After an absence of 36 years, a replica of the clock tower, which was originally constructed in 1890, was placed atop the Jasper County Courthouse. Never before has a County replaced its clock tower! Although the clock itself is not the original, the bell that tolls every hour over the Courthouse Square is the same one that topped the old clock tower back in 1890.

    For nearly 70 years, the timepiece looked out in four directions from the tower, and that beautiful brass bell tolled out the time. The only problem was that each of the four different clock faces often a different time, so the residents of Jasper County heard the bell toll many, many times an hour. In October of 1957, during repairs that were being made to the courthouse, the clock and bell were taken down. For more than three years a battle raged over whether to put the clock back up. In 1960 a straw vote was taken, and an overwhelming majority voted in favor of restoring the clock. No action was ever taken, so the bell and the clock were stored in the basement of the county jail. Finally in 1965, County Judge V.O. Easley designed a mount to hold the bell so it could be displayed on the Courthouse Square, and then in 1993, the bell and clock tower were operational once more!

  • Jasper County Fire Museum - Housed in the Fire Hall, the museum has fire memorabilia from all time periods.
  • Jasper County Museum - The Jasper County Historical Commission is currently working on turning the old Hancock Drug Store into a Historical Museum. Hurricane Rita caused a few setbacks, but this project will be completed soon!
  • Jasper Public Library - The Jasper Public Library offers something for the whole family. There are Summer Programs for kids of all ages, Special Events that run all year long and several computer terminals for the public use with internet access!
  • Jasper Community Theater - The Theater presents three plays a year, all performed at the Violet Tonnahill Center for the Performing Arts on Hwy 96 South. For dates, times and information, please contact the Jasper/ Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce at (409) 384-2762.
 

Nacogdoches County

  • Dr. Jere Jackson, SFA history professor and Chairman, Nacogdoches County Historical Commission, writes:
  • "Nacogdoches is the 'Oldest Town in Texas.' Yet, what really distinguishes a town is not age. It is the importance of the people who lived there, the history that was made there, and the continuation of vitality there. Nacogdoches is a distinguished town. Of the things most travelers associate with Texas - oil, cattle, wheeler-dealers, independent nation status - they all started in Nacogdoches. No one can write a history of Texas without Nacogdoches. Today, Nacogdoches is truly one of the best kept tourist secrets in the state."
  • In the words of Karle Wilson Baker, local poet and the First Lady of Texas Letters:
  • "Nacogdoches has a soul, a spirit, an atmosphere. She is no raw product of today or yesterday. There are ghosts on her streets ....gentle Franciscan fathers ...lordly Mexican alcaldes and courtly French adventurers... stubborn, spirited, courageous American empresarios; ...men like Rusk, ...Crockett, ...Houston ...Travis."
  • Millard's Crossing Historic Village
    This charming reconstructed historic village beckons visitors to imagine East Texas as it was in the 19th century. Experience the days when water was drawn from a well, plows were pushed by hand, pump organs filled churches with music and children wrote with turkey quill pens. Enjoy touring East Texas Victorian cottages, log cabins, a church, school house and more, furnished with antiques and collectibles from all over the world. Executive Director Susie Lower was voted Best Attraction / Museum Guide by the Texas Travel Industry Association in 2002.
    Tours Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
    Admission. $5 adults, $4 children. View a brochure using Acrobat Reader.
  • 6020 North Street (Business U.S. 59 North)
    P.O. Box 634221, Nacogdoches, Texas 75963
    Phone: 936-564-6631 | Fax: 936-564-6631 | Email
  • The Old Nacogdoches University Building
    Located at 515 N. Mound, in Washington Square, this beautiful structure was built in 1859 and originally housed the Nacogdoches University, chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas.
  • During the Civil War, it was used as a hospital. It has also been used as a university by Masonic Lodge, and as a school run by Catholic nuns. In the early 1920s it was the first home of Stephen F. Austin College, when that university's buildings were being constructed. Currently, the building is furnished with period pieces, mostly Victorian, some of which were made in Nacogdoches. The upstairs is set up as an old fashioned school room, complete with slates and desks and other museum exhibits.
  • Hours Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Free Admission. Closed holidays. For special tours, call (936) 569-7292.
  • Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library
    Built in 1830 by Nicholas Adolphus Sterne, a prominent leader of the Texas Revolution. It is the oldest structure still standing on its original site in Nacogdoches. Sam Houston was baptized here. The home's collection includes objects from the Victorian Age as well as objects from the Empire period when the Sternes' owned the home. A small reference library is also part of the collection and is still used by visitors looking for information on local and Texas history, and genealogy.
  • Hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. (936) 560-5426. View a brochure using Acrobat Reader.
  • Nacogdoches Train Depot
    Southern Pacific Railroad built the Nacogdoches train depot in 1912. Recently restored, it will soon house a museum depicting the importance of all transportation in the early development of Nacogdoches. The depot is located just west of downtown on the corner of W. Main and Old Tyler Rd. For tour information, call (936) 560-4443.
  • Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens
    Restored and re-opened in 2006, the Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens is an 1830's wood-frame house interpreted to the 1840 to 1860 time period. The house is the second oldest Nacogdoches structure still standing on its original site. Visitor center, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and historic gardens. 304 North St. (936) 560-4443
  • Stone Fort Museum
    In 1779, Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo built the Old Stone House, laid out the streets of Nacogdoches, and wrote the first law code. The Old Stone House served as a saloon, office and rallying point for political, military and revolutionary events in the province, from Spanish days through Mexican rule and eventually the Republic of Texas. The building was torn down in the early 1900s, but fortunately the stones were saved. In 1936 it was rebuilt on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University (click here for campus map). The Stone Fort Museum interprets East Texas and Nacogdoches history. Hours Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Free admission. (936) 468-2408.
  • The Flournoy-Grandberry House (Halfway House/Inn) - Chireno, Texas
    Built circa 1841 by Samuel Martin Flournoy, the Flournoy-Grandberry House is a two-story I-House, or saddlebags type, hewn-log dwelling with square notch corner joints. It is two rooms wide and one room deep with a dogtrot or central hall. Both the full two-story height and the termination of the second floor logs at the dogtrot are unique architecturally. Two-story log dwellings were uncommon in the 1840's and were symbols of their owner's wealth and success.
  • "The Flournoy-Granberry House is located in Chireno, about halfway between Nacogdoches and San Augustine. Because the El Camino Real or The Kings Highway/Old San Antonio Road traversed the area, it witnessed much of the immigration to Texas. Chireno was an active settlement in Nacogdoches County by the time of Samuel Martin Flournoy's arrival. Flournoy was appointed as a Republic of Texas postmaster in 1846. The early mail was carried by mail riders and, as stagecoaches began to contract for the mails, Flournoy's was a stop on the route between Nacogdoches and San Augustine. Stage coach tickets reportedly cost ten cents per mile." (Excerpts from the Chireno Historical Society "Memories of Chireno").
  • Wiley House - Garrison
    First Friday Luncheons by the Garrison Heritage Society - the ladies prepare a homemade meal that is open to the public. It takes place in the Hotel the first Friday of every month except June, July & August. For details see: The History of Hotel Wiley Garrison is 22 miles northeast of Nacogdoches on U.S. Highway 59.
  • The Hotel Wiley is located across the Railroad tracks from the town square. Built in 1886, it was a major stop for the trains and originally housed traveling salesmen and their wares in its Annex. They would spread out their merchandise for viewing and store owners would come by to order or purchase their inventories - much like our modern day trade markets. A family was usually in residence as its operator and the rooms were let out for rent. In the early 1980s, a group of civic-minded women bought the building and restored it, using funds from their first Friday luncheons. Contact Mrs. Dena Fay Corley at (936) 347-2303 to reserve a luncheon or tour the home.
  • Oak Grove Cemetery
    Oak Grove Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Texas. Not because of its age - the first marked grave is dated 1837 - but because its the final resting place for a number of legendary Texans, including four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, including Thomas J. Rusk. E-mail to request a copy of the brochure or view it here using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Old North Church
    Believed to be oldest union church in Texas; several denominations worshipped here. First was Baptist service held under a tree on the site in 1835. Present "new" church built in 1852. Protestant services were unlawful in Texas during church's early days. North of city off U.S. 59 on old Highway 35.
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • Theater, Art & Music
    Nacogdoches boasts an active fine arts community with frequent performances and exhibitions. Call us (888-OLDEST-TOWN) for a complete listing of upcoming events or visit the CVB on-line calendar or the Chamber's on-line calendar.
  • Lamp-Lite Community Theatre
    One of the largest community theatres in East Texas, the Lamp-Lite has been serving the community for more than 35 years. A troupe of over 100 actors performs a variety of shows including comedies, drama, children's theatre, holiday specials, and an annual musical. As a volunteer based organization they are always looking for talent on stage and behind the scenes. Acting workshops are held regularly. The playhouse comfortably seats 250 and offers year-round entertainment. Contact Sarah McMullen (936) 564-8300 or email her.
  • Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts
  • The College of Fine Arts' University Series brings 5 national or international touring productions to SFA each academic year. These usually include orchestral, chamber music, theatrical, dance and / or vocal performances. Prior to each of the performances, the college hosts an informance which includes a reception honoring the event's corporate sponsor and a brief informative talk about the production.
  • The Children's Performing Arts Series presents five children's shows throughout the year. These are offered during the school day and are attended primarily by area school groups, but many parents and grandparents bring their young family members too. (936) 468-2801.
  • Musical Concerts through the SFASU School of Music
    Held either in W.M. Turner Auditorium, Cole Concert Hall or the Music Recital Hall.
  • Choral Offerings
    - 4 concerts by university ensembles
    - a Masterworks concert at end of each long semester which includes a small orchestra and vocal soloists
    - SFA Opera each spring semester, sung in English
    - Opera Workshop each summer
  • Jazz concerts
    - 4 joint concerts by 2 jazz bands
  • Band concerts
    - 8 concerts by university ensembles
    - 1 free outdoor "Concert in the Park"
    - 6 junior high and high school band recitals at the end of SFA's summer band camp each June
  • Orchestral concerts
    - 3 concerts by regional orchestra
    - 3 concerts by university Chamber Orchestra
    - 4 concerts included in summer chamber music festival
    - 4 to 6 faculty chamber music concerts each semester
  • Percussion concerts
    - 3 concerts by university ensembles
  • Student Recitals
    - dozens of student voice and instrumental recitals during each long semester
  • Faculty and Guest Artist Recitals
    - about 16 each year
  • Music Preparatory Recitals
    - approximately 11 concerts at the end of each long semester
  • Theatrical Offerings through the SFASU School of Theatre
    The Mainstage Series consists of four full-length dramasÑtwo in the fall and two in the spring. Each has five performances. Every other year, the series includes a musical, and on alternate years, the series usually includes a Shakespearean play.
  • On even-numbered years, one of the spring productions is a Playreading Festival of New American plays. Playwright-in-residence, Jack Heifner, selects three new plays and invites the playwrights to Nacogdoches where audiences can see premiere performances of the newly written plays and meet the playwrights. The festival is held in the Downstage Theater.
  • Student-directed plays are offered each semester in the Downstage Theater.
  • Each summer, the school presents two to three plays in repertory during June and July.
  • The Original Cast, the school's cabaret-improvisational troupe, presents an annual musical revue.
  • Art Exhibitions and Tours at SFASU
  • The SFA School of Art presents 8 exhibitions a year, Texas National, an annual national competition now in its 12th year. Through all of the exhibitions, the school strives to present a variety of works and artists, including national as well as local artists. The opening of each exhibition includes a reception and a gallery talk, usually by the artist or curator.
  • The school also presents numerous BFA and MFA shows at the end of each semester.
  • All exhibitions are held either in Griffith Gallery or one of the two galleries located in the Art Building. The university also owns The Art Center in the Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches which is currently undergoing a major renovation. All exhibitions and receptions are free.
  • The School of Art sponsors a short art tour each semester, usually to the Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston area. These are one-day bus excursions led by a member of the art faculty. The school also offers a one-week spring tour which is usually to a foreign country. Last year, a group went to Mexico City, and this year, they will be traveling to Amsterdam.
  • Extra Events at SFASU
    Each of the schools offers various fund-raising events for special programs. These often include dinner and entertainment by faculty, alumni or guest artists. Some, such as the School of Music's Extravaganza, are annual events. The School of Art also offers various art sales throughout the year. The works may be by undergraduate or graduate students, alumni or faculty. Volunteer opportunities include serving on the Friends of the Arts boards for Theatre, Music and Art.
  • Art Galleries and Studios in Nacogdoches
    Nacogdoches inspires many artists, and some even set up shop, especially in the downtown area. Artists are often at work in the studios, and several offer lessons.
  • Nacogdoches inspires many artists, and some even set up shop, especially in the downtown area. Artists are often at work in the studios, and several offer lessons.
  • Coats Gallery, 112 E. Main, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 560-5844
  • Downtown Arts, 405 E. Main, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 564-8282
  • Church Street Art Studio, 122 N. Church St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 560-0050
  • PineWinds Arts Studio and Gallery, 102 North St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 569-1929
  • The SFA Gallery, Griffith Fine Arts Center, Room 208, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 - (936) 468-1131
  • The Arts Center (Old Opera House), 329 East Main, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 468-5500
  • Sherry Ward Fine Arts Studio, 407 East Main, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 - (936) 564-2066
  • The Nacogdoches Public Library, 1112 North Street, Nacogdoches
    The City of Nacogdoches public library has a collection of general reading material and academic material. Any Nacogdoches resident can obtain a free library card and take advantage of the large collection of periodicals and audio/visual materials, including entertainment, travel and "how to" CDs and DVDs. A collection of large print books, books and old radio shows on tape, and art prints and pieces of sculpture may be borrowed. A meeting room with a large screen video projector is available for groups.
  • A pre-school story hour takes place at 10 a.m. every Wednesday. The library has an inter-library loan program that allows visitors to borrow books from any other library in Texas. A catalog lists films that may be borrowed from the Houston public library.
  • Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. (936) 569-8281
  • The Stephen F. Austin Ralph W. Steen Library
    Located on the SFA campus, the Ralph W. Steen Library contains more than 1.5 million volumes. Valid student ID cards and borrower cards issued by the Steen Library and the Nacogdoches Public Library may be used to check out materials.
  • Most of the collection is geared toward academic reading and research. There are audio/visual materials, computer software and periodicals, mostly for in-house use. The library contains geological maps and government documents for both the United States and the State of Texas. The East Texas Research Center, located on the second floor, collects materials about East Texas and by East Texans. It is a regional depository for many official records. It also contains a large genealogical collection.
  • The Library Information Network Center (LINC), a large computer facility located on the first floor, provides access to the library's electronic databases, general software applications, the campus and internet. More than 120 computers are available in this facility. The library's online catalog includes the holdings of the Nacogdoches Public Library.
  • Hours are 7:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday; 7;30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and, 2 p.m. to midnight on Sunday. (936) 468-4217 or (936) 468-4106.
 

Newton County

 

Panola County

  • Texas Country Music Hall of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum, 310 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633, 903 694-9561, museum hours 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday Ð Saturday. A life-size bronze statue of Panola County native Tex Ritter and his horse White Flash welcome you to the Hall of Fame and Museum. Just inside the front entrance are the Hall of Fame Gift Shop and the main entrance to the museum. This museum honors native Texans who are country music legends, songwriters and disc jockeys. The museum showcases fascinating memorabilia of all the members of the Hall of Fame. The Tex Ritter section of the museum includes items from Tex Ritter's home. Native son Jim Reeves' section highlights the authentic radio station equipment that Reeves used in his early broadcasts.
  • Texas Tea Room, 100 E. Sabine, Carthage, TX 75633 903 693- The restored building of the 1903 Bank of Carthage, located on the southwest corner of the downtown square houses the Panola County Heritage Museum and the Texas Tea Room, which serves delicious lunches in a nostalgic atmosphere to locals as well as tourists.
  • Jim Reeves Memorial - "Gentleman" Jim Reeves, famous for his velvet voice, died in a plane crash on July 31, 1964. A life-sized sculpture of the famous singer marks his grave on a one-acre, tree-covered plot of ground three miles east of Carthage on U.S. Highway 79.
  • Margie Neal Park - Located on the north corner of East Panola Street, it is a tribute to the Panola County native, Margie Elizabeth Neal. She was elected Texas' first woman senator in 1926.
  • Panola County Historical Jail, 211 N. Shelby Street, Carthage, TX 75633. Thanks to the efforts of the Panola County Bicentennial Commission, in 1976 the Old Jail was registered as a National Historic Shrine. In the meantime, the building became deserted and suffered the destruction of time and vandalism. The Panola County Historical and Genealogical Association organized in 1987 and decided to turn the old jail into a family research center and mini-law enforcement and pioneer museum. At the time, the structure had little left except the walls, the iron front door and upstairs cells. In1966, U.S. Representative Wright Patman dedicated the Old Jail, the oldest building in Carthage, and a State Historical Medallion was placed on the front near the doorway. Contact info: 903 693-3388; email
  • Davis Park - Built by the Youth Administration in 1937, this project was also part of the WPA of the 1930's. Its stone walls are common to the projects built during that era and are visible on the interior of the building as well. The park has a playground area and picnic tables plus a Community House that is rented by locals for family reunions as well as a variety of other functions. For rental information, contact Carthage City Hall: 903 693-3868
  • Panola County Veterans Memorial - This monument was built in 2002 to pay tribute to our many local veterans who served our country in all the wars and foreign conflicts. This is also the site of the annual Veteran's Day memorial service. It is located on North Shelby Street, one block off the downtown square.
  • The Miss Jane Library & Museum - located in downtown Beckville, the library and museum is dedicated to preserving the history, artifacts, genealogy, and family stories of its community. Since 1997, the library and museum has been located in the 1918 Beckville Continental Bank building.
  • Sammy Brown Library - In 1948, a group of women formed a service group called the Carthage Junior League. The League wanted to improve the quality of life in their community by providing a library. Starting in 1958, these thirteen dedicated women raised over $10,000 through tireless effort and fundraisers and were finally able to purchase and open the Service League Library on a permanent basis in 1963. Much of the growth is attributed to the many generous donations from within the community. The most noteworthy contributor was the late Sammy Matthews Brown, a local businesswoman who gave generously both her time and money to make the library the success it is today. In 1991, before the death of Mrs. Brown in 1996, the members of the Service League unanimously agreed to rename the library in her honor.

 

Polk County

  • None currently listed.
 

Sabine County

  • None currently listed.
 

San Augustine County

  • San Augustine Historic Sites
  • Mission Dolores - Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais was first established in 1717 along Ayish Bayou, approximately one-quarter league west of the present site. The Mission is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance and is a designated State Archeological Landmark.
    Mission Dolores Visitor Center houses an interactive and interpretive display relating to Mission Nuestra Senora de los Ais, among the earliest missions established in Texas by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus. 701 South Broadway. For more information, contact (936) 275-1108 or (936) 275-3815.
  • Several of San Augustine's 140 historic cemeteries, both public and private, are listed on our website. Also featured on the website are several other historic sites, from an 18th century mission to the county courthouse.
  • Many historical records are available to the public (some by appointment) as a result of the hard and rewarding work of history and preservation in San Augustine County. For additional information visit San Augustine Records.
  • Historic churches blend comfortably into the tree-lined landscape of San Augustine. These historic churches can claim several firsts:
    • First African-American church in Texas
      First Church of Christ in Texas
      First Presbyterian Church in Texas
 

San Jacinto County

  • 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.
 

Shelby County

  • Welcome Hall
  • Rio Theatre - Restored state of the art theatre over 80 years old, Downtown historic Center square. (936) 598-3864
  • Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse - Tour times 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • Historic Shelby County Jail - Houses the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • Lakes Area Art League Center, 305 Nacogdoches, Center, TX - (936) 598-9340
    A non-profit organization established to promote interest and knowledge of all areas of the visual and performing fine arts through education and appreciation while enhancing the culture and tourism of the community and surrounding areas.
  • Boles Field - (409) 787-3870
  • Fox Hound Cemetery - (409) 787-3870
  • Historic Downtown Square - The downtown Center Square, build around the historic 1885 courthouse, has something to please everyone, from art galleries and antique shops to restaurants and clothing stores, from gift shops and financial institutions to furniture stores and a movie theatre. Take a walk around the square and enjoy the relaxing down home atmosphere.
  • Historical Sites and Markers throughout Shelby County - There are 178 cemeteries and over 30 historical markers throughout Shelby County including the International Boundary Marker in Joaquin separating the United States and the Republic of Texas in 1840.
 

Trinity County

  • Blanche K. Werner Library, PO Box 1168, 203 Prospect Street, Trinity, Texas 75862 (936) 594-2087, Fax (936) 594-9513. Library hours: Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Ethel R. Reese Public Library located in the Rock Building on the Courthouse Square in Groveton. (936) 642-2483
  • Trinity County Museum, 450 First Street, Groveton, Texas 75845 (936) 642-0242 Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. -3 p.m. The Museum offers a nice historical collection of Trinity County artifacts as well as a recently added genealogical and historical research library. Volunteers from the Trinity County Historical Commission operate the Museum and maintain the Rootsweb.com genealogical website for those interested in finding ancestors in Trinity County.
  • Texas Historical Landmarks (RTHL): Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton, the Riverside Swinging Bridge (located over the Trinity River at the Trinity/Walker County line) and Trinity's Old Red School House.
  • Veteran's Memorial Bridge crosses the Trinity River on Highway 19, connecting the communities of Trinity and Riverside. The old Highway 19 Span Bridge, one of few remaining in existence, has been preserved and designated an RTHL. When crossing the new 4-lane bridge coming into Trinity County you may view the Riverside Swinging Railroad Bridge to the east and the old Span Bridge to the west.
 

Tyler County