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Jacksonville, Texas

Jacksonville was a post office community before 1849, but it moved three miles to its present site when the International-Great Northern Railroad was built in 1872. During the 1930s and '40s Jacksonville was known as the "tomato capital" when more tomatoes were shipped from here than any other city. Each June the city celebrates Tomato Fest honoring the once important crop.

More than 80 diversified manufacturing firms are located in Jacksonville, many associated with plastic, wood, and air conditioning coils and condensers. It is the home of Baptist Missionary Assocociation Theological Seminary, Jacksonville College, and Lon Morris College. A basket factory-direct store is popular with shoppers.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


Love's Lookout Park

View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Views


Scenic Drives

Beautiful hill, forest and lake scenery both north and south on U.S. 69; also along F.M. 747 and F.M. 2138 (neither shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Drives

Killough Monument

Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas' worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where massacre took place on Oct. 5, 1838. (not shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Monuments

Things to do near Jacksonville, TX

R. G. LeTourneau Museum

Houses many of famed industralist's patents and business artifacts; some of his early earth-moving equipment on display. On L...

Old Rusk Penitentiary Bldg.

Central administration building of present Rusk State Hospital built as main building of former Rusk State Prison, 1878. Iron...

Marshall Depot and Museum

Located in the heart of the Ginocchio National Historic District, the prominent Texas and Pacific Depot houses both a train d...

Timber Ridge Tours

Guides/outfitters offer canoe trips, tour boat rides, hikes, van tours, and country cottage in Bit Thicket biosphere. Tours i...

Caldwell Zoo

Started in 1938 as backyard menagerie; now features more than 2,000 endangered and beautiful wildlife from Africa, North Amer...