Jacksonville
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.
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) around Lake Jacksonville.
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Things to Do in Jacksonville
Vanishing Texana
Museum in Jacksonville Public Library displays Cherokee County historical items.
Learn more →Killough Monument
Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas' worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where…
Learn more →Love’s Lookout Park
View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35-mile view of East Texas hills
Learn more →Lookout Mountain
First Monday Trade Days offers all sorts of wares, antiques, and collectibles. Camping facilities available…
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