KILGORE POP. 14,793
ALT. 371
MAP K-22
KILGORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 813 N. Kilgore St. 903/984-5022.
www.visitkilgore.com.
This “city of stars” has been home to the famous classical pianist Van Cliburn; Alice Lon, the original Champagne Lady for Lawrence Welk; Texas Ranger “Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas, who restored law and order single-handedly during the 1930s oil boom; and the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes. The brightest stars are those that top the derricks in Kilgore, lighting the heritage of the city.
EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM—The 1930s oil boom days are re-created through films, dioramas and mementos. See an old-fashioned drilling rig. Board an elevator that simulates a 3,800-foot ride below ground to see oil formations. Admission charge. U.S. 259 at Ross Street. On Kilgore College campus. 903/983-8295.
www.easttexasoilmuseum.com.
RANGERETTE SHOWCASE—See films and displays of props, uniforms, awards and mementos of Kilgore College’s world-famous drill and dance team. The first of its kind, the Rangerettes were formed in 1940 as halftime entertainment for local football games. Free. On the Kilgore College Campus. 903/983-8265.
Lake Livingston is popular with fishermen.
mountain biking trail, four marked paddling trails, and bicycle and canoe rentals. The park also has an environmental education center. Admission charge. About 13 miles west on U.S. 190. 409/384-5231.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/martin-dies-jr.
SIECKE STATE FOREST—See STATE FORESTS IN TEXAS. 25 miles south on U.S. 96.
JEFFERSON POP. 2,011
ALT. 221 MAP J-22
JEFFERSON VISITOR CENTER: 305 E. Austin St. 903/665-3733.
www.visitjeffersontexas.com.
Early settlers were already established when the town was laid out in 1842. Today, many structures bear state historical medallions. Jefferson was an early major East Texas river port of entry when Big Cypress was navigable by steamboats from New Orleans. More than 60 bed-and-breakfast accommodations
are offered in historic buildings. Explore several antique shops.
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK—A modern dam maintains the state’s only natural lake. Canoeists, anglers and boaters explore the picturesque maze of bayous, thick with ancient bald cypress trees. The park includes fully restored CCC pine-log cabins. Admission charge. Off Texas 43, 15 miles northeast of Marshall. 903/679- 3351.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake.
HISTORIC HOMES—Many of the city’s fine old homes are open during the Historical Pilgrimage the first weekend in May and Candlelight Tour the first two weekends in December. Most are in the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available. 903/665-2672.
www.jefferson-texas.com. House of the Seasons—Built in 1872, this is an
example of the transition period between Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. Each side of the cupola features a different window panel illustrating the four seasons, and those colors are reflected throughout the house. Admission charge. 409 S. Alley St. 903/665-8000.
HISTORIC INNS—Excelsior House Hotel—Guests of this 19th-century hotel, opened in the late 1850s, included Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, Jay Gould and Oscar Wilde. Guest rooms feature period furnishings, many original to the hotel. 211 W. Austin St. 903/665-2513.
www.theexcelsiorhouse.com. Historic Jefferson Hotel—This 1861 cotton
92
warehouse was converted to a hotel in 1900 and later became a country inn and restaurant. It features turn- of-the-century iron beds, Victorian dressers and rocking chairs. 124 W. Austin St. 903/665-2631.
www.historicjeffersonhotel.com.
HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY—Climb aboard an authentic narrow-gauge steam train along Jefferson’s Big Cypress Bayou and travel an eight-mile route through the woods. Offers day excursions and Ghost Train rides. Reservations recommended. 400 E. Austin St. 866/398-2038.
www.jeffersonrailway.com.
JAY GOULD PRIVATE RAILROAD CAR—The “Atalanta” has a luxurious interior with four staterooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry and bathroom. Admission charge. 903/665-2513.
JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY—Built in 1907, this is one of few such libraries still serving its original purpose. The second floor was designed as an opera house. 301 W. Lafayette St. 903/665-8911.
www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com.
JEFFERSON HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM—Find four floors of documents and antiques, including mementos of pioneer days, early steamboat commerce and antebellum society. See paintings and sculpture from the D.D. Feldman collection. It also has an outstanding doll collection. Admission charge. 223 W. Austin St. In the Old Federal Building. 903/665-2775.
www.jeffersonmuseum.com.
LAKES—Lake O’ the Pines—An Army Corps of Engineers reservoir. Several parks and marinas offer fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking and camping. About 10 miles west of Jefferson via F.M. 729 and F.M. 726. 903/665-2336.
LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM—Vintage and antique cars from the 1920s- 50s are restored and displayed. These beauties range from convertibles to ragtops and hard tops. 112 W. Lafayette St. 903/240-6180.
SCARLETT O’HARDY’S GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM—The collection includes rare movie posters, a first-edition novel signed by Margaret Mitchell, and promotional items inspired by the movie. 408 Taylor St. 903/665-1939.
www.scarlettohardy.com.
TURNING BASIN RIVER BOAT—Take a 45-minute narrated tour of Big Cypress Bayou, featuring the riverport history of Jefferson. Tour charge. Just below the old trestle across the Polk Street Bridge (U.S. 59). 903/665-2222.
www.jeffersonbayoutours.com.
Find unusual plants in Big Thicket National Preserve near Kountze.
WORLD’S RICHEST ACRE PARK—The greatest concentration of oil wells in the world once stood on part of a downtown block. A tribute to this oil boom of 1930s, the park features one of the original derricks plus 36 new ones. A historical marker has details. At Main and Commerce streets, across from the railroad depot.
KIRBYVILLE POP. 2,114
ALT. 125 MAP O-23
KIRBYVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 105 S. Elizabeth St. 409/423-5827.
The town is in the middle of national and state forests, as well as the Big Thicket National Preserve (see KOUNTZE). Birding is popular in the area. Residents salute the forests with the Magnolia Festival in April.
EXOTIC CAT REFUGE & WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE— This nonprofit reserve is a licensed orphanage for lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, bears and wolves. From U.S. 96, head east on Main Street one block to Elizabeth Street; right on Elizabeth Street to Shaw Guy Street; turn left to orphanage. 409/423-4847.
www.exoticrefuge.org.
FORESTS—Angelina National Forest, Sabine National Forest, E.O. Seicke State Forest. See NATIONAL and STATE FORESTS listings.
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