Lufkin, Texas

Founded in 1882, Lufkin was named after Abraham P. Lufkin, a cotton merchant and a friend of Paul Bremond, the president of the Houston, East and West Texas Railway. The town’s location was no accident—it flourished as a crucial stop along the railroad, making it a hub for commerce, lumber, and agriculture. While other rail towns faded, this one thrived, growing into the heart of East Texas.

The Brookshire Brothers Legacy

If you’ve spent any time in small-town Texas, you’ve probably walked through the doors of a Brookshire Brothers grocery store. Unlike its better-known competitor with a similar name, Brookshire Brothers dominates the smaller communities of the Lone Star State. What many don’t realize is that it all started here.

Brookshire Brothers was founded in 1921 by Austin and Tom Brookshire, opening their first store in what was fondly called the “Spit and Whittle“—a gathering place where locals would swap stories while whittling wood. Today, visitors can admire the Brookshire Brothers Mural, which vividly recreates the interior of that very first store as it looked on opening day. It’s a fitting tribute to a company that remains an integral part of Texas culture, even if big city dwellers are less familiar with it.

The Battle of the Hogs

Lufkin’s early years weren’t without their share of entertaining conflicts. One of the funniest tidbits from its history involves W.M. Glen’s mayoral campaign of 1899. Glen ran on a simple, yet pressing platform: to “put up the hogs.” Free-roaming pigs had become such a nuisance that his promise to fence them off won him the election. Of course, as soon as the hogs were rounded up and enclosed, “hog folks” kept cutting the barbed wire to set them free. Frustrated, city officials took a drastic step: they started locking the pigs in the jail. Naturally, the human inmates were less than thrilled to find themselves bunking with squealing cellmates, but the campaign promise had been fulfilled.

A Beautiful Downtown Revival

Downtown has seen many changes over the years, but its most recent transformation has made it absolutely beautiful. With newly improved streets and sidewalks, the historic heart of the city now shines like never before. The revitalization project has made the area more walkable, welcoming, and visually stunning. Strolling through, visitors can admire vibrant murals, boutique shops, and historic architecture that tell the story of the town’s past while celebrating its present.

Murals that Bring History to Life

Speaking of murals, few small towns embrace public art quite like this one. Whether it’s depictions of the town’s early days, tributes to the lumber industry, or nostalgic recreations of beloved landmarks, the murals here make every walk through town a history lesson. The Brookshire Brothers Mural stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its incredible attention to detail. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates both art and Texas history.

The Museum of East Texas

For those who want to dig deeper into the area’s past, the Museum of East Texas offers an incredible collection of artifacts, exhibits, and rotating displays that highlight the region’s cultural heritage. The museum provides a fascinating look at everything from local art to historical artifacts, making it a perfect stop for history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Present-Day Lufkin

Today, the town remains a vital part of East Texas. It serves as a center for the timber industry, healthcare, and education while retaining the charm that has made it special for over a century. Whether you’re exploring downtown, admiring the murals, or stopping by a Brookshire Brothers for a taste of small-town Texas, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit—and maybe even stay a while.