HISTORIC HOMES—Several homes in various architectural designs have been restored to their original 1880s charm. Some homes are open and decorated during the Whistle Stop Christmas each year. Booklets for a self-guided driving tour are available at the Cleburne Visitor Center, 1511 W. Henderson St. 817/645-2455.
www.visitcleburne.com.
JOHNSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE—Built in 1912, this facility features a six-story open rotunda supported by four columns of matched marble ornately garnished in old ivory and gold-cut plaster. The dome features stained glass. Downtown.
LAKE—Lake Pat Cleburne—This City of Cleburne lake offers swimming areas, four boat ramps, fishing, and rentals for kayaks and jet skis. About five miles southwest of Cleburne via U.S. 67. 817/645-0900.
CLIFTON POP. 3,416
ALT. 670 MAP M-17
CLIFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 115 N. Avenue D. 254/675-3720.
www.cliftontexas.org.
A settlement on the Bosque River, Clifton was designated the “Norwegian Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature. Scandinavian traditions are still observed by descendants of Norse settlers. Clifton is a Texas Main Street City and a gateway to
Lake Whitney. More than 100 antique dealers can be found in the downtown area. Downtown is home to the Cliftex Theater, now the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Texas, with some of the original wooden seats and decor. The Classic Chassis Auto Museum features cars from the 1940s-70s. Open by appointment only (254/253-0262). Events include the Clifton Swirl food and wine festival, and Fall Fest in October.
BOSQUE ARTS CENTER—Based in a 1923 building that was the former Main Hall of Clifton Lutheran College, this center features permanent art galleries, traveling exhibits, performances and dinner shows at the Tin Building Theater. 1701 W. Ninth St. 254/675-3724.
www.bosqueartscenter.org.
BOSQUE MEMORIAL MUSEUM—This museum features an exhibit on the Horn Shelter, including replicas of skeletons and funeral items from the 11,200-year-old burial site discovered nearby. Also includes Norwegian artifacts, minerals and fossils, Native American artif- acts, and a pioneer collection. Admission charge. 301 S. Avenue Q. 254/675-3845.
www.bosquemuseum.org.
LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK—About 27 miles northeast. See WHITNEY.
MERIDIAN STATE PARK—About 15 miles northwest. See MERIDIAN.
NORSE SETTLEMENT—Near Clifton, this community is the center of Norwegian settlement in Texas. Pioneers such as Cleng Peerson, called “the Father of Norse Immigration to America,” and Ole Canuteson brought Norwegians to the area in the 1850s. Annual events include Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day) in May, smorgasbord in November, and Norwegian Country Christmas and Lutefisk Dinner in December. Access by taking F.M. 219 west to F.M. 182 and going north.
WINERY—Red Caboose Vineyard and Winery. See WINERIES listing.
COLUMBUS POP. 3,842
ALT. 207 MAP Q-19
COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 425 Spring St. 979/732-8385.
www.columbustexas.org.
Columbus was settled by members of Stephen F. Austin’s original colony. The community bills itself as “The City of Live Oaks” and is known for its Texian-era heritage, natural beauty and restored historic buildings. A historical marker downtown identifies an old oak under which the first court of the Third Judicial District of the Republic of Texas convened. The city is part of the Texas Independence Trail Region.
118 Classic cars are on display at the Columbus Folk Fest, which celebrates local history.
COLUMBUS PADDLING TRAIL—Paddle along this 6.5- mile route on the Colorado River. Information kiosks are at boat ramps, a canoe put-in under the North Bridge and at the take-out point in Beason’s Park on U.S. 90. Equipment is available for rent. Free.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails.
STAFFORD BANK AND OPERA HOUSE BUILDING— This building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is the state’s largest flat-floored opera house and features a raked stage and curtains painted as they were in 1886. Dinner theater performances are offered monthly from September to June. Admission charge. 425 Spring St. 979/732-5135.
www.columbustexas.org.
TEXAS PIONEER TRAIL—Columbus is one of many points in this area, also known as the “Cradle of Texas,” where Stephen F. Austin’s original colony of the “Old 300” settlers planted roots in the early 1820s. Visiting historic and scenic sights, the trail crisscrosses Washington, Fayette, Colorado and Austin counties. For free map and information, contact the chamber of commerce. 979/732-8385.
www.columbustexas.org.
WALKING/DRIVING TOUR—Features historic homes, businesses, restaurants, inns, antiques, and shops. Maps are available at the visitor center and begins at the 1886 Stafford Opera House. The driving tour features a narrative of landmarks without leaving the vehicle. Call 979/732-5135. Attractions include: Alley Log Cabin—This structure was built in 1836,
just after the Runaway Scrape, by one of the original “Old 300” settlers. The cabin is fully furnished and an excellent example of the Texas Colonial Period. 1224 Bowie St.
Colorado County Courthouse—This structure
was built in 1891 in Second Empire style with locally made brick. It 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 1860 cottage of “tabby” construction houses period furniture. 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. Donations accepted. 1014 Milam St. 979/732-8398.
COMANCHE POP. 4,338
ALT. 1,358
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 historic landmarks in the county. Antique shops, res taurants, and local artisans can be found here. A walking tour features the historic business district. Information is available 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 inside 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 Avenue. 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. The city relented on part of its 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 camping. 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 became the new county seat, and the building was relocated. A water well, hand-dug in 1859, on the grounds is lighted so visitors can see how the sides are built and the water in the bottom. At the corner of North Houston Street and U.S. 377.
WINERY—Brennan Vineyards. See WINERIES listing. PHOTO: MICHAEL AMADOR/TXDOT
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