The One Texas Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
In the heart of Texas's eastern pinelands, there sits a town rich in both history and modern attractions. Jefferson has remained one of the state’s best-kept secrets, a destination that anyone who is living in or visiting the region should try to check out at least once.
With a number of stand-out landmarks that tell the story of this once economically booming part of the country, and a current focus on preserving some of Texas' deepest traditions, you'll be able to find a surprising amount of things to keep you entertained in this seemingly sleepy community. With that, here is a bit more info about Jefferson and why you should consider stopping by during your next road trip.
An Unsuccessful Riverport Turned Living Historic Village
Jefferson developed in the first half of the 1840s as a major inland port because of its location on Big Cypress Bayou. Steamboats could reach the town from the Red River due to a natural log jam known as the Great Raft, which raised regional water levels and made navigation possible. By the next decade, Jefferson had become one of the most important commercial centers in a rapidly growing Texas (which had only gained statehood in 1845), primarily serving plantations in the area as well as parts of Arkansas and Louisiana. Cotton and timber were central to its economy before the Civil War.
The town declined rapidly after the Great Raft was completely removed in the 1870s, lowering water levels, taking away Jefferson's proximity to the river, and effectively ending local boat traffic. Even worse, newly built railroads bypassed Jefferson in favor of nearby Marshall, accelerating the community's economic downturn.
Unlike a lot of towns established early in the Lone Star State, Jefferson did not modernize extensively afterward, which in turn preserved its old-timey, 19th-century vibe. Because of that, today it is best known for its historic district, attracting travellers who wish to learn more about the region's role in Texas's river commerce history.
What to Do in Jefferson
Although, as mentioned, historic landmarks are the main draw in Jefferson, this pleasant little town of around 2,000 residents boasts a number of other attractions worth checking out. Whether you're keen to go on a hike, want to grab a bite from a locally owned eatery, or hope to book a guided tour of town, here are a few recommendations that should help you better plan your visit.
Jefferson Historical Museum
The Jefferson Historical Museum sits in the town's distinctive former U.S. Post Office and courthouse, built in 1890. The museum, of course, aims to preserve and interpret local history, with exhibits spanning subjects like early businesses, regional transportation, and the daily life of citizens in Marion County.
The structure itself is a big part of the history on display, with its Romanesque Revival architecture reflecting the town’s once prominent position. Collections within include artifacts from the steamboat era, notable industries, period furniture, and unique antique pieces. Moreover, behind the museum is a replica train depot that houses the R.D. Moses Texas & Pacific model railroad layout.
Open from 9:30 to 4 every day, this must-see museum is operated by volunteers and is a perfect way to start your visit in Jefferson.
Riverport Barbecue
What's better than feasting on some authentic BBQ in Texas? Riverport Barbecue is a long-running establishment here, known for its traditional Texas-style barbecue set in a casual, no-frills atmosphere. The menu centers on none other than slow-smoked meats- brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and the like, all typically served with classic sides like coleslaw, beans, potato salad, and their signature "swamp fries."
Occupying a corner of Jefferson's historic district, Riverport Barbecue is highly popular with both locals and visitors exploring the downtown core, offering hearty portions and refreshing drinks that pair well with a long day of exploration.
Caddo Lake State Park
Just about a 20-minute drive outside of town, Caddo Lake State Park sits along the edge of Caddo Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Texas. The park is known for its flooded forest, where bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss line a network of narrow paddling routes. And, canoeing and kayaking are indeed the primary activities here, with miles of designated water trails that pass through quiet bayous and open water.
However, the shores of Caddo Lake also offer a variety of fishing holes, hiking trails, and historic Conservation Corps-built cabins dating to the 1930s. Furthermore, keep an eye out for the area's abundant wildlife, which includes barred owls, wood ducks, numerous fish species, and a notable population of American alligators!
The Jefferson Ghost Walk
For a glimpse into the spookier side of town, the Jefferson Ghost Walk is an evening walking tour of the downtown area that focuses on reported hauntings and paranormal stories. Hosted every Friday and Saturday night, the walk blends history with folklore, covering figures and incidents ranging from Jefferson’s riverport era to later periods.
Guides will take small groups past a series of historic buildings, cemeteries, and sites tied to local legends, sharing tales of unexplained sightings, ghost encounters, and other remarkable events from Jefferson's past.
Whether you have hopes of seeing a long-dead resident of Jefferson walking the streets once again or simply want a different perspective on the town's history, definitely consider booking a time with this popular tour service.
Other Nearby Towns to See in the Area
Several other nearby towns and cities add depth to any visit in this corner of East Texas, many of which are very easy to reach by car. Marshall, for one, is located about 17 miles south and is known for its railroad history, downtown square, and the Harrison County Historical Museum. This town also hosts seasonal events such as the Wonderland of Lights, drawing visitors all throughout the year. On the other hand, Linden, north of Jefferson, offers a quieter stop with access to scenic rural landscapes, including an assortment of nearby lakes and forests.
Further east across the Louisiana border, the much larger city of Shreveport provides a busy urban contrast, with a plethora of casinos, live music venues, overnight accommodations, museums, and a significant role in the region's entertainment scene and oil industry. If you prefer to stay within Texas, however, Longview lies similarly distant southwest of Jefferson and hosts many of the same amenities as Shreveport.
Come for the interesting stories and stay for all the other charms Jefferson has in store. Whether you're looking for a quick escape from Dallas or are embarking on a cross-country road trip, however you decide to spend your time here, anyone interested in seeing all Texas has to offer would be foolish not to add this small town to the to-do list. Better yet, its mild climate and general lack of any extreme weather events make this a truly year-round destination.
