The Great East Texas Outdoor Fest in March focuses
on the scenic beauty and recreation opportunities in the area. Other events include the Milam Settlers Day in November, Gaines-Oliphint Pioneer Trade Day in April and The Lions Club Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Courthouse Square in December.
PATRICIA HUFFMAN SMITH NASA MUSEUM “REMEMBERING COLUMBIA”—The story of space exploration, from the first mission of the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 to its last, is highlighted. An area is dedicated to each crewmember who died and two other people who died during the recovery efforts. 375 Sabine St., Unit B. 409/787-4827.
www.nasacolumbiamuseum.com.
SABINE NATIONAL FOREST—See NATIONAL PARKS AND FORESTS. Hemphill is at the western boundary of the forest.
SCENIC DRIVES—Stands of Virginia shortleaf pine are seen south of Hemphill at the community of Yellow Pine via Texas 87, also on F.M. 2343 (not shown on most maps). One of the finest stands of longleaf pine is at the scenic roadside park on Texas 184 about five miles west.
HENDERSON POP. 13,637
ALT. 505 MAP L-22
CITY OF HENDERSON DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM: 1005 Highway 64 W. 866/650-5529.
www.visithendersontx.com.
Davy Crockett National Forest is named for the legendary pioneer.
Glade Creek. A park near the spillway offers a boat ramp, picnicking, swimming and fishing. Off F.M. 2685 north of U.S. 80. 903/845-5041.
GRAPELAND POP. 1,489
ALT. 360
GRAPELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
www.grapelandchamber.net.
Originally called Grapevine because of the area’s wild grapes, Grapeland became the official name in 1873. Several parks provide recreation activities, including
fishing, swimming and picnicking. Salmon Lake Park hosts events and has RV hookups, along with cabin and pavilion rentals. For information, call 936/687- 2594 or visit
www.salmonlakepark.com. During World War II, peanuts were the primary
agricultural product—later replaced by watermelons. Peanuts are still celebrated in October with the annual Peanut Festival. Other events include a Gospel Festival, Bluegrass Festival and Christmas Festival.
CADDO MOUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE—See ALTO.
DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST—See NATIONAL PARKS AND FORESTS.
MISSION TEJAS STATE PARK—This park commemo- rates the first Spanish mission in East Texas. Spanning 659 acres, it also features Neches River uplands for campers, anglers, picnickers and hikers. El Camino Real Historic Trail traverses the park. Admission charge. Off Texas 21; 12 miles west of Alto; 21 miles northeast of Crockett. 936/687-2394.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mission-tejas.
WINERY—Caney Creek Winery. See WINERIES listing.
HEMPHILL POP. 1,215
ALT. 257 MAP M-23
SABINE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 1555 Worth St. 409/787-2732.
Founded in a vast timber area, Hemphill is a gateway to the immense Toledo Bend Reservoir (see CENTER). A gallows, more than 80 years old, is still in place in the four-cell county jail on the town square.
90 MAP M-21
Designated as the Rusk County seat in 1843, the city grew rapidly during its first two decades, but an 1860 fire destroyed most of the commercial buildings. This Main Street City has walking tours of the
historic downtown district, which is a National Register Historic District. Events include the Wildflower Driving Trails April- May and the Heritage Syrup Festival in November.
DEPOT MUSEUM AND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER—The museum is in the waiting room and office of the restored Missouri Pacific Railroad depot. The warehouse is a hands-on learning center. See the 1908 “Arnold Outhouse,” doctor’s office, dogtrot cabin, oil derrick, cotton gin, print shop and syrup mill. Admission charge. 514 N. High St. 903/657-4303.
www.depotmuseum.com.
DURANGO’S CANYON—The amphitheater is in a natural crater that is 60 feet deep and 300 yards in diameter. Legend has it that the crater was once a Caddo gathering place. 1039 F.M. 1798 West. 903/898- 2772.
www.durangoscanyon.com.
EAST TEXAS DISCOVERY WELL—Columbus M. “Dad” Joiner believed there was oil in Rusk County. With inferior equipment, he made two unsuccessful drilling attempts. In January 1930, he started a third well. On Oct. 3, 1930, the Daisy Bradford No. 3 blew in, beginning the East Texas Oil Boom. A 1936 pink granite marker shows the site. About a mile north of Pioneer Park on C.R. 4136. 866/650-5529.
www.visithendersontx.com. Pioneer Park—The park has derrick-covered
picnic pavilions. About six miles west of Henderson on Texas 64 at C.R. 4148.
GASTON MUSEUM—This museum features the area’s history and heritage. It focuses on life in an East Texas oil field and includes an oil field “tent house,” a 1930s Dixie Service Station and a 1940s roadside cafe on the museum grounds. 6558 Texas 64 West in Joinerville. 903/847-2205.
www.gastonmuseum.org.
HARMONY HILL GHOST TOWN—The town was an important trade center known as Nip and Tuck in 1850. Bypassed by railroads, the town declined, and a 1906 storm destroyed many buildings. Only the cemetery remains. Eighteen miles northeast on Texas 43. 866/650-5529 x224.
LAKES—Lake Striker—The lake has a marina, boat facilities, picnicking and camping. Eighteen miles east of Jacksonville off U.S. 79. Also accessible from Henderson. 903/854-4559.
Murvaul Lake—This lake offers fishing, boating and
camping at lakeside. Waterfowl hunting during winter. Twelve miles southwest of Carthage via F.M. 10; also accessible from Henderson. 903/693-6562.
HUNTSVILLE POP. 40,125
ALT. 401 MAP O-20
SAM HOUSTON STATUE VISITORS CENTER: 7600 Texas 75 S. 936/291-9726 or 800/289-0389.
www.huntsvilletexas.com.
The town was founded as a Native American trading post in 1835. Sam Houston was one of many prominent early Texans who lived here. Today, it is one of Texas’ oldest cities. It’s home to the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division and Sam Houston State University. Restored turn-of-the-century homes dot the city. The historic downtown area is home to a variety of antique and arts-and-crafts shops. It is a Texas Main Street City. The mural of Sam Houston by muralist Richard Haas is on the northeastern edge of the square.
BLUE LAGOON—Scuba diver’s certification card required. Artesian springs feed an old rock quarry, creating a beautiful environment for scuba diving. Admission charge. 649 Pinedale Road. 936/438- 8888.
www.bluelagoonscuba.net.
GIBBS-POWELL HOUSE—Built in 1862 by Thomas Gibbs, it’s the only Greek Revival-style home in the city. Gibbs was a businessman and a personal friend of Sam Houston. The house is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and a Texas archeological landmark. Admission charge. 1228 11th St. 936/295-2914.
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK—Located among loblolly and shortleaf pines, the park has an extensive trail system and equestrian stables. The 210-acre Lake Raven offers canoe rentals, fishing and plentiful wildlife. A group facility is available for rent. Admission charge. Off I-45, six miles southwest of Huntsville. 936/295- 5644.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville.
OAKWOOD CEMETERY—The burial site of Sam Houston, Confederate and Union soldiers, pioneers and other Texas personalities. Houston’s tomb bears Andrew Jackson’s tribute. The oldest marked burial site is dated 1842. Ninth Street and Avenue I.
SAM HOUSTON MEMORIAL MUSEUM COMPLEX—The complex has eight historic buildings, including homes and Houston’s law office. Exhibits include Houston’s personal effects, items from Santa Anna and pioneer artifacts. It includes a gift shop and park. The Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival is in April. 1836 Sam Houston Ave. 936/294-1832.
SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST—The city is at the northwestern boundary of the forest. 936/344-6205.
www.fs.usda.gov/texas.
SAM HOUSTON STATUE—Huntsville native David Adickes created this towering 67-foot statue of Gen. Sam Houston. Mounted on a 10-foot base, the statue is visible for more than six miles. Includes a visitor center and gift shop. 112 I-45. South of town. 936/291-9726.
GREEN ACRES OF PLANTS
JORDAN’S PLANT FARM NEAR Henderson is a tourist stop/garden center. The farm has more than 500,000 square feet of growing space, a garden center, and a gift shop fashioned after an old-timey hotel—complete with a lobby, saloon, barbershop and general store.
www.jordansplantfarm.com
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