Small Town Texas

Boerne, Texas – The Story of a Texas Town with Free Spirits. Boerne (pronounced “Burn-ee”) is a unique Texas town with a storied past, scenic charm, and thriving present-day community. Located just a short drive northwest of San Antonio, Boerne has drawn visitors and residents alike for over a century. Known for its…

Lampasas, Texas – Illuminating A Town with a Storied Past. Founded in 1856, Lampasas, Texas, began as a modest settlement in the Texas Hill Country but quickly grew into a bustling town with unique stories and significant historical moments. Initially part of a larger county, Lampasas gained recognition as its own county seat…

Glen Rose, Texas – The Dinosaur Capital of Texas. Glen Rose, Texas, is a picturesque town with a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was first settled in the 1840s by Charles Barnard, who established a trading post near the Paluxy River to trade with local Native American…

Galveston, Texas – Beyond the Beaches. Galveston might be more than your typical small Texas town, but its captivating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty makes it a destination worth exploring, especially for those who love the charm of coastal towns. Nestled on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston’s…

Fort Davis, Texas – A Relaxing Escape to the Texas Mountains! Located in the rugged beauty of West Texas, Fort Davis offers visitors a rich combination of history, natural beauty, and scientific discovery. Situated in the heart of the Davis Mountains, this small town stands as a gateway to some of the most…

Nocona, Texas – A Sunrise Stroll Through Time. On a recent Sunday, just as the sun began to rise, I found myself in Nocona, Texas, standing in front of First Christian Church (now named the Central Christian Church), built in 1894. I was there for Mansfield Photography, aiming to capture the town with…

Windthorst, Texas – A Towering Symbol of Faith. Every once in a while, a drive through rural Texas reveals something unexpected—a stunning church in a town with barely more than 300 residents. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst is one such place, standing proudly on a hill, its grand structure visible from afar…

Archer City, Texas – Legends, Literature, and Lone Stars. Archer City may be a small town in North Texas, but its influence extends far beyond its borders. Known for its ties to infamous outlaws, classic American literature, and a movie that defined a generation, Archer City offers a unique blend of history and…

Brownwood, Texas – Beautiful Architecture in Central Texas. Brownwood, Texas, is a town where history, culture, and charm blend seamlessly. Known for its inviting downtown, impressive architecture, and friendly atmosphere, Brownwood offers a mix of old-world appeal and modern-day vibrance. Founded in the 19th century, this town boasts a storied past, captivating landmarks,…

Marlin, Texas – From Mineral Waters to Major League Baseball. Marlin, a small town nestled in Falls County, Texas, bears a name tied to its pioneer heritage. The town was named after John Marlin, one of the earliest settlers in the region. A veteran of the Texas Revolution and a key figure in…

San Augustine, Texas – From Missionaries to Sam Houston. San Augustine, Texas, boasts a deep historical legacy that stretches back to the early 18th century. The first European settlement in the area began in 1717, when Spanish missionaries established Mission Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais. Located near present-day San Augustine,…

Lockhart, Texas – Savoring History and Flavor. Lockhart, Texas, is not just another small town. It’s a place where history intertwines with some of the best barbecue you’ll ever taste, making it one of the most memorable stops in the Lone Star State. Officially recognized as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” this town…

Fayetteville, Texas – A Snapshot of Texas History Frozen in Time. Founded in the 1800s, Fayetteville, Texas, is a town where history seems to linger in every corner. This small but historically significant community provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the past, offering an authentic Old West feel that few places can…

Brenham, Texas – And the Best Ice Cream 34 States Can’t Buy. Brenham, Texas, may not be the biggest town in the Lone Star State, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to history, architectural beauty, and a hometown flavor that’s recognized across the country. Whether you’re strolling through its stunning…

Waxahachie, Texas – Victorian Charm with a Beautiful Downtown. Founded in 1850 as the county seat of Ellis County, Waxahachie, Texas, began its story as a modest settlement along the banks of Waxahachie Creek. The name “Waxahachie” is said to derive from the Native American words for “cow” or “buffalo” and “creek,” though…

Kilgore, Texas – Home of the “World’s Richest Acre”. Founded in 1872 with the arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad, Kilgore, Texas, began as a modest railroad stop. It was named after Constantine Buckley Kilgore, a local landowner, politician, and former Confederate officer who played an important role in securing the railway’s path…

Marshall, Texas – The Town of Nicknames. Marshall, Texas, is a town that wears its history, culture, and beauty proudly. From its early days as a transportation hub to its modern identity as a cultural beacon, this East Texas city has continually adapted and thrived. Founded in 1841 and named after Chief Justice…

Rusk, Texas – Steam Engines and a Famous Dogwood. Rusk, Texas, may be a quiet town located in the heart of the Piney Woods, but its history, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions make it a standout. Founded in the mid-19th century and named after a Texas hero, Rusk has managed to preserve its…

Mason, Texas – Picture-Perfect Small Town with a Wild History. Tucked into the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the town of Mason has an impressive story dating back to the 1850s. Officially founded in 1858, Mason was named after Fort Mason, an army post established nearby to protect settlers from Native American…

Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Fairy Tale Town of East Texas. Tucked away in the heart of East Texas, Sulphur Springs is more than just a charming small town—it’s a place where history, beauty, and community come together in a storybook setting. With its quaint downtown, breathtaking courthouse, and streets lined with brick,…

Denison, Texas – Saving The Vineyards of France and the Katy. Denison, Texas, founded in 1872, owes its origin to the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT), commonly known as the “Katy.” The town was strategically planned as a hub along this vital railway line, connecting Texas to the Midwest. Named after George Denison, a director…

La Grange, Texas – Beautiful and Historic. Situated in Fayette County, La Grange, Texas, boasts a rich history that traces back to the early 1800s. The town is believed to be named after the Château de la Grange-Bléneau in France, the home of the Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution…

Bowie, Texas – A Frontier Town with Sharp History and Wild Tales. Founded in 1881, Bowie, Texas, takes its name from one of the most famous figures in Texas history—James Bowie. Known for his role in the Texas Revolution and his famous knife-fighting skills, Bowie left a legacy that matched the rugged spirit…

Elgin, Texas – Bricks, Barbecue, and Beauty. Located in the heart of Central Texas, Elgin offers a perfect blend of small-town charm, rich history, and architectural beauty. Known as the “Brick Capital of the Southwest,” Elgin has become a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Texas history, vibrant downtown life, and, of…

Nacogdoches, Texas – “The Oldest Town in Texas”. Nacogdoches, Texas, isn’t just a fun name to say—it’s a town that impresses in every way. Known as “The Oldest Town in Texas,” this East Texas town is overflowing with history, culture, and beauty. From its lively, picturesque downtown to its deep historical roots, there’s…

Sealy, Texas – The Town That Built More Than Mattresses. Founded in 1879, Sealy, Texas, emerged as a key stop along the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway. Named after George Sealy, a prominent businessman and railroad director, the town quickly became a transportation and commercial hub in Austin County. George Sealy’s influence…

Balmorhea, Texas – An Unexpected Oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11 In the vast, arid Chihuahuan Desert,…

Grand Saline, Texas – and the Famous Texas Salt Dome. Grand Saline, Texas, is a town whose story is as deep as the salt it’s known for. With a history dating back to the days of the Caddo Indians, this small East Texas town has long been tied to one of the earth’s…

Jasper, Texas – Where History and Nature Collide. Jasper, Texas, is a town with a rich history and abundant natural beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into its past while providing a gateway to some of the most serene landscapes in East Texas. Nestled in the heart of the Piney Woods, this town, founded…

Justin, Texas – Justin Boots, Grandpa, and a Fond Memory. While our Small Town Texas articles are usually written from the third person, I am writing this one in the first person. One of the great pleasures of visiting and photographing small towns is the ability to, occasionally, relive memories. When I visited…