LASR.net Homepage




Menu

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

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


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


Things to do near Jacksonville, TX

Village Creek State Park

Named for the 63-mile long creek which flows through the heart of the Big Thicket. Stream is renowned as a float stream, and ...

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum

New $2.2 million, 13,000-square foot facility that pays tribute to Texans who have made an indelible mark the country music i...

Nature Trails

Canyon Rim Trail is located off Hwy. 87 north of Burkeville. Various tree species and points of interest are identified, and ...

Woodlands Trails

1.8-mile walking trail through one of the finest old pine stands in East Texas. Close-up views of 225-year-old longleaf pines...

Camp Ford

A historical marker identifies largest prisoner of war compound used for union troops west of the Mississippi. Replica of pri...