Alto Originally a stop on the Old San Antonio Road, town is tomato-growing center in redland belt. Name derives from Spanish word for "high" (highest point between Angelina and Neches Rivers).■ The grave of Helena Kimble Dill, believed by many to be the mother of the first Anglo child born in Texas (1804) is here. (Jane Long, of Galveston, often is credited as mother of Texas' first Anglo child in 1821.) Contact local chamber of commerce for information about other sites of interest in this historically rich area, or Park Superintendent, Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site (see below).■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Alto: Crockett * Henderson * Jacksonville * Lufkin * Nacogdoches * Palestine * Rusk * Weches
Atlanta Jay Gould's Established 1872 with building of Texas and Pacific Railroad; named for Georgia home of many early settlers. Town today serves a farming, forestry, and oil area. Sites of prehistoric Caddo Indian villages have been noted in the region.■ Visitors can tour the downtown plaza, pavilion, caboose and war memorial, or cross the Red River on the Spring Bank Ferry. For information on these facilities, as well as events, accommodations, and dining, call the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce at 903/796-3296.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Atlanta: Daingerfield * Hallsville * Jefferson * Karnack * Marshall * Mount Pleasant * Pittsburg * Texarkana * Uncertain * Waskom
Big Sandy First settlement of the woodlands area dates from Mexican land grants of 1835. Founded when Cotton Belt Railroad was built through town in 1877; named for nearby Sandy Creek. Rural community is site of Ambassador College.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Big Sandy: Gilmer * Gladewater * Kilgore * Longview * Mineola * Pittsburg * Quitman * Tyler * Winnsboro
Camden Established as lumbering town in heavily forested Polk County in 1898, activity still centers around timber growing, cutting and processing. County's largest lumber mill handles both pine and hardwoods.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Camden: Coldspring * Livingston * Lufkin * Moscow * Woodville * Zavalla
Coldspring Founded 1847, called Coonskin. Name successively changed to Firemen's Hill and Cold Spring. Present seat of San Jacinto County; crop, livestock and lumber area.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Coldspring: Camden * Cleveland * Conroe * Huntsville * Livingston * Moscow * Spring
Conroe Seat of Montgomery County on southern edge of Big Thicket area. Towering pines, rolling hills, and woodland lakes offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities; 10 area golf courses, resorts and marinas on Lake Conroe. The old (1931), but still-producing, Conroe Oil Field southeast of city is of interest, and historic locations are marked. Storied community of Cut 'n Shoot is 5 miles east of Conroe. Shoppers find bargains at the Conroe Outlet Center at I-45 and League Line Rd.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Conroe: Cleveland * Coldspring * Humble * Huntsville * Plantersville * Spring * Tombal
Carthage Became seat of Panola (Indian word for cotton) County in 1848 when 100 acres were donated for townsite. Today a center for gas and oil processing, petrochemicals, lumber mills, chicken processing, and small industries. Birthplace of Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Carthage: Center * Hallsville * Henderson * Marshall * Tatum * Waskom
Daingerfield Seat of Morris County, one of the smallest in Texas. Extensive deposits of iron ore utilized by Lone Star Steel plant. Other area industries include farming, livestock, sand and gravel, roofing and clothing.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Daingerfield: Atlanta * Big Sandy * Gilmer * Gladewater * Hallsville * Jefferson * Karnack * Longview * Mount Pleasant * Mount Vernon * Pittsburg * Winnsboro
Gladewater Settlers from an earlier community called St. Clair moved en masse a few miles east to the Texas and Pacific RR when it built through in 1872. In 1931 oil was discovered and population doubled to 1,000 overnight, reaching 10,000 at the height of the boom. (One of Texaco's first derricks and pumping units is preserved in the 100 block of W. Commerce along with historical marker.) City now a trade center for agricultural and lumbering interests. Claiming title of "Antique Capital of East Texas" city boasts more than two dozen antique and crafts shops. B & B Bygones features original soda fountain with marble top; serves old-fashioned sodas and sandwiches. Location map and information from chamber of commerce, 215 N. Main (U.S. 271).■ Also ask chamber of commerce for information about Pines Camp & Conference Center, and about bed and breakfast facilities in the area.■ A local skydiving club usually meets on weekends and practices skidiving skills at the Gladewater airport.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Gladewater: Big Sandy * Gilmer * Hallsville * Henderson * Kilgore * Longview * Tatum * Tyler
Gilmer Seat of Upshur County, city was founded in 1848 on the historic Cherokee Trace, becoming a trade center for growing population of farmer-settlers. Cotton farming dominated economy, joined by lumbering boom at turn of the century. The East Texas oil boom of the early 1930s extended into county as cotton began to fade. Dairying, lumber, and beef cattle are important today.■ Numerous historic markers are found in the city and around the county, including a 1936 granite maker in Roosevelt Park on site of early 19th Century Cherokee Indian village. Markers on the courthouse lawn tell about the Cherokee Trace, traveled by Sam Houston and other Texas Revolution heroes on first trips to Texas.■ A walking tour of the city is almost like a "walking museum." Many businesses display historic photos and exhibits. The Gilmer Mirror, founded 1877, has a display of antique printing tools, Linotype.■ Bed and breakfast accommodations offered in historic buildings; for information, call 1-800-440-5223.■ For information on events, attractions, and accommodations, call the Upshur County Chamber of Commerce at 903/843-2413.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Gilmer: Big Sandy * Daingerfield * Gladewater * Hallsville * Kilgore * Longview * Pittsburg * Quitman * Winnsboro
Henderson Designated seat of Rusk County in 1843. Enjoyed rapid growth during its first two decades, but disastrous fire in 1860 destroyed most business houses. Oil discovered in 1930. City is now oil and agriculture commercial center; home of Texas Baptist Institute.■ City is a designated Main Street City with walking■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Henderson: Carthage * Gladewater * Hallsville * Kilgore * Longview * Tatum
Hemphill Founded 1858, seat of Sabine County, a vast timber area. Today a commercial center for lumber; major gateway to immense Toledo Bend Reservoir. A gallows, more than 80 years old, is still in place in four-cell county jail.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Hemphill: Center * Jasper * Kirbyville * Newton * San Augustine * Zavalla
Hallsville The town is in central western Harrison County and originated in 1839 when Fort Crawford was built by W.C. Crawford. In 1869 when the railroad crossed a mile north of the fort, settlers moved to the railroad and named the new settlement for Elijah Hall, a pioneer of the section. The city is located in the pineywoods vegetation area and has loblolly, shortleaf, long leaf and slash pines, as well as oak, hickory, maple, and other hardwoods.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Hallsville: Carthage * Gilmer * Gladewater * Henderson * Jefferson * Karnack * Kilgore * Longview * Marshall * Tatum * Waskom
Huntsville Founded as Indian trading post in 1836, the year of Texas independence. Sam Houston was one of many prominent early Texans who lived here. Today Huntsville is yours to explore. Adventures begin here in one of Texas' oldest cities. It's the location of the headquarters of Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division, and home of Sam Houston State Univ. Well kept, restored turn-of-the-century homes dot city. The downtown area is home to a variety of antique and arts and crafts shops.■ Be sure to see the beautiful mural of Sam Houston by architectural illusionist Richard Haas on the northeastern edge of the square.■ Additional information may be obtained from chamber of commerce at 1327 11th St. (Texas 30) or call 409/295-8113 or 1-800-289-0389.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Huntsville: Anderson * Cleveland * Coldspring * Conroe * Livingston * Navasota * Plantersville
Jefferson House of the Seasons Various dates between 1836 and 1840 are cited as the beginning of Jefferson at a river landing on Big Cypress Bayou. Whatever the date, early settlers were already established when the town was laid out in 1842. Today one of Texas' most historic towns. More than 30 structures bear State Historical Medallions. Several antique shops.■ Jefferson early became major East Texas river port of entry; Big Cypress was then navigable by steamboats from New Orleans. Discovery of nearby iron ore brought smelters and plow works, while plentiful pine and cypress stimulated lumber industry.■ Here was one of Texas' first breweries, and in 1873 world's first ammonia refrigerant ice plant. It was state's first city to utilize artificial gas for street lighting, and shortly after the Civil War, reached a peak population of 30,000 with as many as 15 steamboats at a time lining the docks, and scores of wagon trains passing through on the way West.■ Steel rails were also reaching west, but Jefferson, confident in the steamboat, refused Jay Gould's offer for a railroad (see below). Gould angrily predicted death for the city, and laid his tracks elsewhere. He was right as far as "city" goes, because growth in succeeding years, like the railroad, seemed to bypass Jefferson.■ For today's traveler seeking quiet reflection of a past era, it is a fortunate result.■ Approximately 40 bed and breakfast accommodations offered in historic buildings. For reservations, 903/665-2592. Also for information and reservations at country inns of Jefferson and Texarkana, call Book-a-Bed-Ahead at 903/665-3956, and Classic B&B Inns at 1-800-468-2627. For additional information, call AAA Reservations at 1-800-299-1593.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Jefferson: Atlanta * Daingerfield * Hallsville * Karnack * Longview * Marshall * Uncertain * Waskom
Jacksonville Was a post office community before 1849, but moved three miles to present site when International-Great Northern Railroad was built in 1872. During the 1930s and '40s the city was known as the "tomato capital" when more tomatoes were shipped from here than any other city. Each September city celebrates Tomato Fest honoring the once important crop.■ More than 60 diversified manufacturing firms are located here, many associated with plastic, wood, and air conditioning coils and condensers.■ Home of Baptist Missionary Assoc. Theological Seminary, Jacksonville College, and Lon Morris College.■ Two factory-direct stores are popular with shoppers.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Jacksonville: Alto * Athens * Henderson * Kilgore * Palestine * Rusk * Tyler * Weches
Jasper Another beautiful Texas Sunset. Seat of Jasper County, named for Sgt. William Jasper, hero of American Revolution. Area terrain ranges from hilly to level, 85 percent forested by pines and hardwoods.■ Jasper's historic town square features the courthouse, antique shops, and the old county jail where the county archives are housed. Sandy Creek Park, downtown, features children's playground equipment, fishing ponds, and a pavilion.■ For information on events, accommodations, and dining, stop by the Jasper Information Center at 246 E. Milam Mon. - Fri. 8 .m. - 5 p.m., or call 409/384-2762.■Cities within approximately 50 miles of Jasper: Camden * Hemphill * Kirbyville * Kountze * Moscow * Newton * San Augustine * Silsbee * Woodville * Zavalla
Kirbyville Established in 1895 in east central Jasper County, city is on the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad, and the terminus of the Jasper and Eastern Railroad. Named for John Henry Kirby, who, along with R.P. Allen, laid out the townsite. Kirby was known as "Prince of the Pines," at one time producing more Southern Pine lumber than any man in the world.■ Today, lumber is still king, but agribusiness and tourism play an important role in the economy. Kirbyville is minutes away from popular lakes--Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, and B.A. Steinhagen Lake. It's right in the middle of national and state forests, as well as the Big Thicket National Preserve. Because of the abundance of trees, birding is a popular activity here. Residents salute the forests with the popular Magnolia Festival each April.■ For information on events, accommodations, and area attractions, contact the local chamber of commerce at 105 South Elizabeth St. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 409/423-5827.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Kirbyville: Jasper * Kountze * Newton * Orange * Silsbee * Woodville
Kilgore The East Texas Oil Museum Plantation owners settled area before Civil War, but town was not established until building of Great Northern Railroad (later Missouri Pacific) in 1872. Town is center of huge East Texas Oil Field discovered 1930; over 1,200 oil wells once within city limits; some still producing. Some remaining steel derricks are nostalgic reminders of early boom days; now decorated during Christmas.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Kilgore: Big Sandy * Gilmer * Gladewater * Hallsville * Henderson * Longview * Tatum * Tyler
Kountze Established as railroad town 1881. Seat of Hardin County, an area more than 89 percent forested that produces over 5.5 million board feet of lumber yearly.■ Kountze describes itself as The Big Light in The Big Thicket--that vast area of tangled, often impenetrable woods, streams and marshes, portions of which are now protected as the Big Thicket National Preserve.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Kountze: Beaumont * Kirbyville * Liberty * Nederland * Orange * Saratoga * Silsbee * Woodville
Karnack Two adventurers in Caddo Lake State Park Just off Texas 43 in Harrison County, adjacent to Caddo Lake State Park (see below), town was probably named for the ancient city of Karnak, Egypt. There's a modern note in Karnack, Texas. Rockets roaring into space use fuel made here by Thikol Chemical Corp.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Karnack: Atlanta * Hallsville * Jefferson * Marshall * Uncertain * Waskom
Liberty Among oldest settled areas of Texas, several hundred Anglo-Americans established farms in 1820s on Mexican land grants. Town laid out 1831, named Villa de la Santissima Trinidad de la Libertad, quickly shortened to Liberty by English-speaking residents. William B. Travis, Sam Houston, and David Burnet all practiced law in Liberty. Three brothers from town died at the Alamo; some 50 Liberty citizens fought in Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, when Texas won its independence.■ Seat of Liberty County, town was a busy port when steamboats plied the Trinity River in the late 19th Century. Today a farming-ranching community with substantial oil production dating from 1925.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Liberty: Anahuac * Baytown * Beaumont * Cleveland * Deer Park * Humble * Kountze * La Porte * Pasadena * Saratoga * Spring
Lufkin Heart of East Texas Piney Woods region, home of vast lumber and wood-products industries; access to outdoor recreation in Angelina and Davy Crockett National Forests and huge Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Area produces more than a million board feet of saw timber annually and major volume of pulpwood, from short- and longleaf pines, cypress, hickory, oak, gum, and magnolia.■ City parks offer picnicking and outdoor sports including golf, fishing, swimming, and tennis. Sites of historical interest are marked throughout city. Home of Angelina Junior College.■ Contact Angelina County Chamber of Commerce at Loop 287 & Chestnut St. for complete details on city and area attractions. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri., 409/634-6644.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Lufkin: Alto * Camden * Moscow * Nacogdoches * San Augustine * Weches * Zavalla
Longview Seat of Gregg County, settled early 1800s. Rapid development by planters from the Old South after 1850. Named in 1870 by surveyors for Texas & Pacific Railroad, impressed by long-distance view from village. Discovery of oil in 1930s more than tripled population of 6,000. Today city is dynamic industrial center claiming over 200 manufacturing firms as well as agriculture area; is loading end of the "Big Inch" petroleum products pipeline. Home of LeTourneau University.■ For information on dining, accommodations, events, and area attractions, stop by the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau at 410 N. Center St. or call 903/753-3281.■ More information about Longview■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Longview: Big Sandy * Gilmer * Gladewater * Hallsville * Henderson * Jefferson * Kilgore * Marshall * Tatum
Livingston Trade center for prosperous lumber and agricultural district of fertile Trinity River Valley; seat of Polk County. Established 1846, named by founder Moses L. Choate for his former home in Alabama. Oil discovered in the 1940s.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Livingston: Camden * Cleveland * Coldspring * Huntsville * Moscow * Saratoga * Woodville
Mineola Town developed in southwestern Wood County when the Houston and Great Northern RR built through the area in 1871. Railroadman Ira H. Evans named the town for his daughter Ola and her friend, Minnie Patton, and approved by I. E. Ward, construction engineer and resident of Mineola, NY. The town became shipping and retail center in the middle 1840s. When the Texas and Pacific and Missouri, Kansas, and Texas RRs arrived, railroad shops opened and town became a railroad junction point.■ Diversified industries and agriculture play a dominant role in today's economy.■ Known as "gateway to East Texas pine country," city sponsors Holiday Motor Trails throughout the year beginning in spring when dogwood, bluebonnets, and crimson clover bloom profusely over green carpeted meadows and on through autumn when hardwood leaves turn crimson, yellow and gold among the pines.■ More than a dozen antique and craft shops await shoppers. For location and map check with chamber of commerce at 101 E. Broad St. 903/569-2087.■ Bed and breakfast facilities offered in historic buildings.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Mineola: Big Sandy * Canton * Edgewood * Grand Saline * Quitman * Tyler * Winnsboro
Moscow The Moscow Woodland Trail The community on U.S. 59 south of Lufkin was established in 1846; serves lumbering and agricultural area of heavily forested Polk County.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Moscow: Camden * Coldspring * Livingston * Lufkin * Woodville * Zavalla
Marshall Settled 1839, became seat of Harrison County 1842. When Texas seceded from Union in 1861, city was one of biggest and wealthiest in the state. It produced saddles, harnesses, clothing, powder and ammunition for Confederacy. When Vicksburg fell, Marshall became seat of civil authority west of the Mississippi River, wartime capital of Missouri and headquarters of Trans-Mississippi Postal Department. Confederate Monument on courthouse lawn. Several historic homes offer bed and breakfast. Home of East Texas Baptist Univ., Texas State Technical College, and Wiley College.■ The red and white clay in the area is perfect for stoneware. There are 12 wholesale pottery manufacturers and five retail sales in the city.■ Cities within approximately 20 miles of Marshall: Hallsville * Jefferson * Karnack * Tatum * Uncertain * Waskom
Mount Pleasant Named from location on beautifully wooded hills. In early 1900s town attracted resort visitors to red mineral springs nearby. Today, commercial center for farming, livestock and oil. Home of Northeast Texas Community College, a three-county (Camp, Morris, Titus) college; rural campus is near Chappell Hill.■ Mount Pleasant is a Texas Main Street City and in 1993 was named "One of the 100 Best Small Towns in America."■ Visitors enjoy access to three nearby reservoirs famed for outstanding bass, crappie and catfish fishing: Lakes Bob Sandlin, Monticello and Welsh. In recent years, state records for largemouth bass have been set at two of the lakes; state and national bass tourneys held at the other. The Kountry Korner store at F.M. 127 & F.M. 2882 can verify large bass caught in nearby lakes with some 2,000 photographs displayed of bass caught weighing 7 lbs. or more. For additional information on shopping, accommodations, and restaurants contact the Mt. Pleasant-Titus County Chamber of Commerce at 1604 N. Jefferson, 903/572-8567.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Mount Pleasant: Clarksville * Daingerfield * Gilmer * Mount Vernon * Pittsburg * Quitman * Sulphur Springs * Winnsboro
Nacogdoches The Azalea Trail winds around many historic mansions. Site of Indian settlement for centuries before first European arrived; named for the Nacogdoche Indians. Area visited by La Salle expedition in 1687. Spanish mission founded in 1716. For more than a hundred years town was major eastern gateway to Texas. Some of state's most historic landmarks are here. Texas' first newspaper, Gaceta de Tejas, was published in Nacogdoches. Home of Stephen F. Austin State Univ.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Nacogdoches: Alto * Center * Henderson * Lufkin * Rusk * San Augustine * Weches * Zavalla
Newton Selected as site for new seat of Newton County in 1853. Today a commercial center for lumbering, livestock, oil and farming. Toledo Bend Reservoir. See LAKES listing.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Newton: Hemphill * Jasper * Kirbyville * Kountze * Silsbee * Woodville * Zavalla
Pittsburg Seat of Camp County, a heavily timbered area, also a commercial center for farming, poultry and livestock. Large peach production (one of top ten peach-producing counties in state), plus blueberries and blackberries, with some growers offering pick-your-own opportunities. Vintage grocery, hardware, and drug stores and antique shops.■ For information on accommodations, restaurants, and events, stop by the chamber of commerce office at 202 Jefferson St. or call 903/856-3442.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Pittsburg: Big Sandy * Daingerfield * Gilmer * Mount Pleasant * Mount Vernon * Winnsboro
Quitman Seat of Wood County, commercial center for farming, livestock, oil, headquarters for electric co-op. James Stephen Hogg, one of the town's most famous citizens, published Quitman Daily News in 1873, was later justice of the peace, county attorney, state attorney general, and governor of Texas 1891-1895. Historical information available at chamber of commerce, 101 Main St., open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or call 903/763-4411.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Quitman: Big Sandy * Canton * Edgewood * Gilmer * Grand Saline * Mineola * Mount Vernon * Sulphur Springs * Winnsboro
Rusk The Texas State Railroad Although only one family was living here in 1846, site was chosen as seat of Cherokee County. Named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a signer of Texas Declaration of Independence. Town famed as birthplace of James Stephen Hogg and Thomas Mitchell Campbell who were first and second native-born Texans to serve as governor.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Rusk: Alto * Crockett * Henderson * Jacksonville * Nacogdoches * Palestine * Tyler * Weches
Silsbee Established 1894 by John Henry Kirby as sawmill town; today home of giant Kirby Forest Industries. Largest city and principal commercial center in Hardin County.■ The Silsbee Little Theater is one of best-known amateur theaters in Southeast Texas. Excellent city parks include tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and playgrounds. Excellent hunting and fishing in immediate area.■ Cultural Center in old ice house has small museum on county history as well as a gift shop and meeting rooms.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Silsbee: Beaumont * Kirbyville * Kountze * Nederland * Orange * Port Arthur * Saratoga * Woodville
San Augustine Known as "The Cradle of Texas," history walks the streets here. Located on historic "El Camino Real" (the Royal Highway, now Texas 21 in this area). Sam Houston walked here; Davy Crockett was feted on his way to the Alamo; and J. Pinckney Henderson, Texas' first governor, lived here when San Augustine was the eastern gateway to Texas. Several church congregations lay claim as Texas' oldest: Presbyterian, Episcopal and Methodist (24 miles east, five miles north of Milam). All features are too numerous to list here, but chamber of commerce can provide details and directions for drive-by views of many sites. Chamber open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 611 W. Columbia St.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of San Augustine: Carthage * Center * Hemphill * Jasper * Lufkin * Nacogdoches * Zavalla
Saratoga Settled a decade before the Civil War in Hardin County northwest of Beaumont; named after Saratoga, N.Y., because of medicinal springs. Health resort fell into disuse after discovery of oil in 1901. Currently a small retail center in heart of the Big Thicket.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Saratoga: Anahuac * Beaumont * Cleveland * Kountze * Liberty * Livingston * Nederland * Silsbee * Woodville
Tatum Established 1885 when Santa Fe Railroad built through; townsite donated by Tatum family settlers in area. Town was on earlier Trammel's Trace, prominent foot and horseback trail from Conway, AR, to Nacogdoches. Current trade center for lumber, farm, and dairy enterprises. Excellent fishing in nearby lakes and streams; also woodlands hunting.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Tatum: Carthage * Gladewater * Hallsville * Henderson * Kilgore * Longview * Marshall * Waskom
Texarkana Commercially and culturally one city, but two separate municipalities, one in Texas, one in Arkansas. Federal Building is only one of its kind in America. Photo island on State Line Ave. in front of post office is popular photo spot; tourists can stand with one foot in Texas, one in Arkansas.■ Nation's only bistate Justice Center serves two states at State Line Ave. and Broad St. Center houses courts and jail for two states, two counties and two cities. Like the Post Office, Justice Center built squarely on the Arkansas-Texas line.■ Home of Texarkana Community College and East Texas State Univ. at Texarkana.■ A Scott Joplin mural, at Third & Main Sts. downtown, colorfully depicts the life and accomplishments of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical pioneer from Texarkana. In first two decades of 20th Century, Texarkana's Joplin was America's "King of Ragtime." Joplin's works have been recently rediscovered; best known as composer of "Maple Leaf Rag," his music was utilized as theme in movie, "The Sting."■ For bed and breakfast information, call Book-A-Bed-Ahead at 903/3956.■ Cities within approximately 50 miles of Texarkana: Atlanta * Daingerfield * Jefferson
Tyler The Tyler State Park Chartered 1847, named for President John Tyler. Diversified economy based on oil, manufacturing and agriculture. A famous product is the Tyler rosebush (see Municipal Rose Garden below). Site of Texas College, Univ. of Texas at Tyler, and Tyler Junior College, home of "Apache Belles," famous precision dance-drill team.■ East Texas Fair, six days late Sept. draws some 100,000 visitors. Outstanding livestock event, large variety of beef and dairy cattle, ponies, swine, sheep, industrial displays and midway attractions.■ Texas Rose Festival in mid-Oct. attracts thousands to the floral gala. Includes queen's coronation, rose show, parade and tours to rose nurseries. Most events at Municipal Rose Garden. (See below.) Admission to some events.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Tyler: Athens * Big Sandy * Canton * Gilmer * Gladewater * Grand Saline * Henderson * Jacksonville * Kilgore * Longview * Mineola * Quitman * Rusk
Uncertain Town evolved from fishing camps and resort operators around scenic Caddo Lake in Harrison County and incorporated in 1961. The site is near Uncertain Landing, so named because steamboat captains in earlier days often had troubles mooring their vessels. It was also the site of an old hunting, fishing, and boating society called the Uncertain Club, which existed in the early 1900s. Today, the town still relies on the lake's tourism attractions for its livelihood. The town limits are irregular in shape to include most of the resort areas along the shores of Caddo Lake.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Uncertain: Atlanta * Hallsville * Jefferson * Karnack * Longview * Marshall * Tatum * Waskom
Woodville Dogwood in bloom at Big Thicket National Preserve. A commercial center for lumbering and forest products; seat of Tyler County, an area more than 90 percent forested. Named for George T. Wood, second governor of Texas.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Woodville: Camden * Jasper * Kirbyville * Kountze * Livingston * Moscow * Saratoga * Silsbee * Zavalla
Winnsboro Founded in 1854 as a trade center at intersection of two main roads, and first known as Crossroads. Now situated between two major highways (I-20 and I-30). Name changed to honor early settler, John E. Wynn. Spelling was supposedly changed by a newspaper editor in the 1870s because of a shortage of "y's" in his type. Center of scenic area popular with photographers in any season. Recreational opportunities on nearby lakes; hunting and camping. One of Texas' best known salutes to fall foliage is Winnsboro's Autumn Trails, held every weekend in Oct. Sightseers from throughout the state enjoy special mapped routes of East Texas forest land and a variety of special events.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Winnsboro: Big Sandy * Gilmer * Mineola * Mount Pleasant * Mount Vernon * Pittsburg * Quitman * Sulphur Springs
Waskom Established 1850, originally known as Powellton. Name changed to Waskom Station in 1872 to honor man who was instrumental in bringing Southern Pacific Railroad through community. Waskom Gas Field discovered in 1924.■ Cities within approximately 30 miles of Waskom: Carthage * Hallsville * Jefferson * Karnack * Marshall * Tatum y°┬ewÇ∙I└ ∙`÷°┬hreÇ∙I└
Zavalla Rural community that grew around Concord Church before the Civil War; once an important shipping point for forest products on Texas and New Orleans RR. In Angelina National Forest, town is a gateway to recreation areas on Lake Sam Rayburn.■ Cities within approximately 40 miles of Zavalla: Camden * Hemphill * Jasper * Lufkin * Moscow * Nacogdoches * San Augustine * Woodville
