NORTHEAST TEXAS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM—Features hands-on activities for children, such as shopping in a grocery store, exploring a rainforest, flying an airplane, painting a masterpiece, or learning fractions by serving pizza. Admission charge. In the Watson Center building of Texas A&M–Commerce, Texas 50 at Culver Street. 903/886-6055.
http://netxcm.com.
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE PLANETARIUM— Features a state-of-the-art digital projection system with surround sound and reclining seats. Texas A&M–Commerce Science Building on West Neal Street. 903/468-8652.
www.tamu-commerce.edu/university/planetarium.
COOPER POP. 1,995
ALT. 495 MAP H-20
DELTA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 41 West Side Square. 903/395-4314.
www.deltacounty.org.
This town is in the rich farming area between the North and South Sulphur rivers. Just south of town square is the historic McKinney home, open by appointment only. Check with the chamber of commerce to arrange a visit. The Delta County Library, 300 W. Dallas Ave., offers a genealogy department. Miller Drug features an old-fash- ioned soda fountain that has been in business since 1925. Events include Delta County Fair and Barbecue Cook-
off in April, and the Delta County Chiggerfest and 5K Run/Walk in October.
The DeWitt County courthouse in Cuero is one of the many historic courthouses found in the state.
features a Neoclassic copper dome and a working four-face Seth Thomas clock. A magnificent stained-glass dome is above the original 1890 judge’s bench, bailiff box and witness stand in the district courtroom. On Milam Street. Dilue Rose Harris House Museum—Greek Revival-
style cottage of “tabby” construction houses period furni- ture. Admission charge. 602 Washington. 979/732-5135. Live Oak Art Center—In the historic Brunson Building,
the art studio and changing gallery exhibits local, national and international art. Group tours available by request. Donations accepted. 1014 Milam St. 979/732-8398.
COMANCHE POP. 4,360
ALT. 1,358 MAP L-15
COMANCHE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE: 304 S. Austin. 325/356-3233.
www.comanchechamber.org.
Named for the Comanche tribe, this community is rich in pioneer and Texas history. There are more than 65 histor- ic landmarks in the county. Antique shops, restaurants and local artisans can be found here. A walking tour fea- tures the historic district. A brochure and maps are avail- able at the Comanche Depot. Hunters find deer, quail, dove and wild turkey.
COMANCHE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM—Features Native American and pioneer artifacts housed in a replica of a frontier store. A replica of the Jack Wright Saloon in- side the museum depicts a notorious shoot-out involving Texas gunslinger John Wesley Hardin, who moved to Comanche in 1874. 402 Moorman Road. 325/356-5115.
COMANCHE DEPOT—This restored historic depot, built in 1912, features a small rail museum and offers visitor information. South Austin Street at Bonner Ave. 325/356-3233.
www.comanchechamber.org.
FLEMING OAK—This tree is the only remaining member of a large grove of oaks around which the town developed. Legend has it that the city began clearing the grove many years ago to pave the square, but a settler objected, saying the oak tree saved his life during battle and that he would protect it with his own. The city relented on part of its
194 PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
paving project, and the tree stands today at the southwest corner of Comanche’s town square.
LAKE—Proctor Lake—This Army Corps of Engineers lake offers parks with boat ramps, fishing, picnicking and camp- ing. Hunting during season. Between Comanche and De Leon off Texas 16; also accessible from Dublin. 254/879-2424.
OLD CORA—Texas’ oldest existing courthouse was built in 1856 in the town of Cora, then the county seat. When the county was partitioned three years later, Comanche be- came the new county seat, and the building was relocated. A hand-dug water well on the grounds is lighted so visitors can see how the sides are built and the water in the bot- tom. At the corner of North Houston Street and U.S. 377.
COMMERCE POP. 8,310
ALT. 516 MAP H-20
COMMERCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 1114 Main St. 903/886-3950
www.commerce-chamber.com.
Downtown features antique brick streets, lampposts, benches and live oak trees. The Westside Barber Shop of- fers a glimpse of barbering in the early days. In 1885, East Texas Normal College moved here from Cooper after the original school burned—today, the school is known as Texas A&M University-Commerce. Commerce was named the “Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas”
by the Texas Legislature because of its location in the cen- ter of the range of this tree. The second-largest bois d’arc tree in Texas, “Big Max,” is within the city limits. In Sep- tember, the Bois d’Arc Bash celebrates these trees.
COOPER LAKE STATE PARK—See COOPER.
HERITAGE HOUSE—Built in 1927 as the home of the pres- ident of the university, this restored house in the National Register of Historic Places features many furnishings and artifacts from former presidents’ families and the adjoining Lyday Heritage Gardens. On Texas A&M- Commerce campus. 903/886-5712. LAKES—Cooper Lake, see COOPER. Lake Tawakoni, see GREENVILLE.
CLARA FOSTER SLOUGH MUSEUM—Features artifacts representing the people and history of Enloe, Texas, in- cluding railroad items and military memorabilia. 4552 F.M. 198 W. 903/395-0539.
www.enloemuseum.blogspot.com.
COOPER LAKE STATE PARK—With 3,026 acres and 31 miles of shoreline, Cooper Lake offers a variety of land- and water-based recreational opportunities. Picnic, swim, explore developed trails, or boat and fish in the 19,300- acre lake. Overnight visitors can choose from shelters, and developed or primitive campsites, including equestrian sites. Admission charge. 903/395-3100 or 903/945-5256.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/cooper-lake.
LAKE—Cooper Lake—An Army Corps of Engineers reser- voir on the South Sulphur River. Cooper Lake State Park has units on both north and south sides of the dam that offer access. Access from Cooper, Commerce and Sulphur Springs. 903/945-5256.
PATTERSON MEMORIAL DELTA COUNTY MUSEUM— In the restored Texas-Midland Railroad Depot. Collection includes items and memorabilia related to early settlers in the county. 700 W. Dallas St. 903/395-4392.
COPPERAS COVE POP. 33,486
ALT. 1,086 MAP N-16/CC-4
COPPERAS COVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAU: 204 E. Robertson Ave. 254/547-7571.
www.copperascove.com.
Protected by five surrounding hills and an abundant spring (from which the water was said to have a copper taste), the original town site became a stopping point as drivers brought their herds to the Chisholm Trail. The arrival of Camp Hood (now Fort Hood, the U.S.
Army’s largest post) in 1942 made it the largest city in the county. The city also is home to Central Texas College. The scenic area around the city is a mecca for bicyclists
and runners. Route maps are available at the visitor bureau. Events include Rabbit Fest in May and the Krist Kindle
Markt holiday bazaar in December. FORT HOOD—See KILLEEN.
TOPSEY EXOTIC RANCH AND DRIVE-THROUGH SAFARI—More than 50 species of animals—including camels, kangaroos and llamas—roam the park. Although
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234 |
Page 235 |
Page 236 |
Page 237 |
Page 238 |
Page 239 |
Page 240 |
Page 241 |
Page 242 |
Page 243 |
Page 244 |
Page 245 |
Page 246 |
Page 247 |
Page 248 |
Page 249 |
Page 250 |
Page 251 |
Page 252 |
Page 253 |
Page 254 |
Page 255 |
Page 256 |
Page 257 |
Page 258 |
Page 259 |
Page 260