Small Towns of Texas
Compelling articles exploring the Small Towns of Texas charm and character
The Small Towns of Texas by Mansfield Photography
We are passionate about capturing and sharing the essence of Texas’s small towns through captivating articles that highlight their unique charm and character. With thousands of Small Town Texas images, our content delves into a wide spectrum of subjects, from the picturesque beauty of these historic communities to the rich history and cultural landmarks that define them. Each article is crafted with care to bring the stories of Texas’s small towns to life, offering readers an intimate look at the traditions, architecture, and natural landscapes that make these places special. Whether it’s the bustling energy of a local festival or the serene quiet of a forgotten downtown, we strive to showcase the diverse and enduring spirit of Texas’s small-town life.
We invite you to explore our “Small Towns of Texas” articles and immerse yourself in the stories and images that celebrate these unique communities. Whether you’re a native Texan with a love for your state’s history or a traveler seeking new destinations, we hope that your visit to Mansfield Photography is both inspiring and enjoyable. Our goal is to ignite a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the hidden gems scattered across Texas, encouraging you to discover and connect with the small towns that make this state so rich in culture and heritage.
Articles:
Mexia, Texas – Love Conquers All
Mexia, Texas – Love Conquers All. Mexia, Texas, was named in honor of General José Antonio Mexía, a prominent Mexican army officer who supported Texas’ independence from Mexico in the 1830s. The Mexía family owned large tracts of land in the region, and their influence played a role in the naming of the…
Quitaque, Texas: The Gateway to Beautiful Caprock Canyons
Quitaque, Texas – The Gateway to Caprock Canyons. Pronouncing the name of this small Texas town can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with it. Quitaque is pronounced “Kitty-quay,” a phonetic twist that surprises many first-time visitors. The name originates from the Comanche language, with its meaning often interpreted as “end of…
Corsicana, Texas – A Timeless Appeal
Corsicana, Texas – A Timeless Appeal. Corsicana, Texas, was named by one of its early settlers, José Antonio Navarro, a significant figure in Texas history and one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. He named the town after the island of Corsica, which was his father’s birthplace. Navarro’s influence helped…
Hico, Texas – A Historic Gem with Billy the Kid Folklore
Hico, Texas – A Historic Gem with Billy the Kid Folklore. Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, Hico is a small town with a rich and vibrant history. The town was first settled in 1856 by a handful of pioneers who were drawn to the area’s fertile land and abundant water supply…
Dublin, Texas – The Famous Dr Pepper Legacy
Dublin, Texas – The Famous Dr Pepper Legacy. Dublin, Texas, located in Erath County, was first settled in the early 1850s. Like many Texas towns, it attracted settlers with its fertile land and proximity to rivers, ideal for farming and ranching. The town was officially founded in 1854, and its strategic location along…
Glen Rose, Texas – The Dinosaur Capital of Texas
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…
Athens, Texas – The Birthplace of the Hamburger!
Athens, Texas – The Birthplace of the Hamburger! Athens, Texas, is a small city with a big personality, located in the heart of East Texas in Henderson County. The town was established in 1850 with the hope that it would become a center for culture and education, similar to its namesake. While it…
Eastland, Texas – Oil Boom and a Legendary Horned Toad
Eastland, Texas – Oil Boom and a Legendary Horned Toad. Eastland, Texas, was named after William Mosby Eastland, a soldier who served in the Texas Revolution. He was part of the Mier Expedition and was one of the few chosen in the “Black Bean Episode,” a notorious event where captured soldiers drew beans…
The Beautiful Courthouses of Texas – A Photographer’s Dream
Beautiful Courthouses of Texas – A Photographer’s Dream. The history of Texas county courthouses is a captivating reflection of the state’s growth, regional pride, and architectural evolution. As Texas developed throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the establishment of counties became a crucial part of organizing the vast territory. With each new…
Stephenville, Texas – The Cowboy Capital of the World
Stephenville, Texas – The Cowboy Capital of the World. Stephenville, Texas, located in Erath County, was first settled in 1854 by John M. Stephen, who the town was named after. Situated along the Bosque River, the area attracted early settlers with its fertile land, ideal for farming and ranching. In its early days,…
The Great Raft and The Impact on Jefferson, Texas
The Great Raft – and the impact on Jefferson, Texas. The history of the Red River log jam, also known as the Great Raft, is a compelling chapter in the development of East Texas, particularly in relation to Jefferson, an inland port that played a critical role in the region’s economy. The Great…
Turkey, Texas – The King of Western Swing
Turkey, Texas – King of Western Swing. The small town of Turkey, Texas, gets its unusual name from the abundance of wild turkeys in the area when it was first settled. Located in Hall County, in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, the town’s name reflects the natural landscape that early settlers encountered…
Hillsboro, Texas – Texas History & Willie Nelson
Hillsboro, Texas – Texas History & Willie Nelson. Hillsboro, Texas, takes its name from Hill County, which was named after Dr. George Washington Hill, a secretary of war and secretary of the navy for the Republic of Texas. When the town was founded in the mid-1800s, it was decided to name it Hillsborough,…
Teague Texas – A Railroad Lover’s Delight
Teague, Texas – A Railroad Lover’s Delight. Originally known as Brewer, the town was renamed “Teague” by railroad magnate Benjamin Franklin Yoakum in honor of his mother Narcissus Teague and her parents James and Jane Fowler Teague, who were early pioneers in Freestone County. The town began the process of being incorporated in 1906 and…
Matador, Texas – Named for the Famous Matador Ranch
Matador, Texas – Named for the Famous Matador Ranch. Matador, Texas, has an intriguing name that traces back to its ranching roots. The town is named after the Matador Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in Texas history. Established in the late 19th century, the ranch took its name from…
Fort Richardson, Texas – A Pillar of Texas Frontier Defense
Fort Richardson, Texas – A Pillar of Texas Frontier Defense. Fort Richardson, located just south of Jacksboro, was established in 1867 by the U.S. Army as part of a broader effort to protect settlers on the Texas frontier. Named in honor of General Israel B. Richardson, a Union officer who was killed during…
Jacksboro, Texas – A Town Rooted in Frontier History
Jacksboro, Texas – A Town Rooted in Frontier History. Jacksboro, Texas, located in Jack County, is a town with a deep connection to Texas frontier history. Originally named Mesquiteville when it was established in the late 1850s, the town was renamed Jacksboro in 1859 in honor of brothers William and Patrick Jack, two…
Megargel, Texas – Ghost Downtown with a Beautiful Old Church
Megargel, Texas – Ghost Downtown with a Beautiful Old Church. Megargel, Texas, located in Archer County, is a small town with a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The town was officially established in 1910 and named after Roy C. Megargel, a New York financier who played a significant…
Terrell, Texas – A Historic Town with Modern Charm
Terrell, Texas – A Historic Town with Modern Charm. Terrell, Texas, located in Kaufman County, is a town with deep historical roots and a vibrant past. The town was established in 1873 as the Texas and Pacific Railroad extended its line through the area, providing a new economic lifeline for settlers. Terrell was…
Wills Point, Texas – The Bluebird Capital of Texas
Wills Point, Texas – The Bluebird Capital of Texas. Wills Point, Texas, is a small yet historically significant town located in Van Zandt County. The town was named after William Wills, one of the area’s earliest settlers, who arrived in the mid-1840s. Wills established a cattle camp on a small rise of land,…
Canton, Texas – The Gateway to East Texas with a Famous Tradition
Canton, Texas – The Gateway to East Texas with a Famous Tradition. Canton, Texas, located in Van Zandt County, is a town with a rich history and a reputation that spans far beyond its small size. The town was officially founded in 1850 when it became the county seat of Van Zandt County…
Llano, Texas – Granite From the Hill Country
Llano, Texas – Granite From the Hill Country. Llano, Texas, is a small but vibrant town nestled in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. The town was first settled in the mid-1850s, with pioneers drawn to the region by its rich natural resources and scenic beauty. Officially established in 1856, Llano was named after…
Granbury, Texas – A Blend of History and Modern Charm
Granbury, Texas – A Blend of History and Modern Charm. Granbury, Texas, is a small but vibrant town located just 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth. It was first settled in the mid-1800s, with pioneers drawn to the area for its fertile land and proximity to the Brazos River. Officially founded in 1866,…
Small Town Texas – Southwest Edition
Small Town Texas – Southwest Edition. Driving through the desert in the sweltering heat of Southwest Texas unveils a journey marked by rugged beauty and a sense of timelessness. As the road stretches endlessly ahead, the desert landscape morphs from dusty plains to rocky formations, each mile revealing glimpses of small towns nestled…
Seymour, Texas – Red Beds and Permian Fossils
Seymour, Texas – Red Beds and Permian Fossils. Seymour, Texas, carries a name that honors a man involved in the early development of the town. It is believed to have been named after Seymour Munday, a local cowboy. Munday helped in the organization and growth of the area, and the name was a…
Itasca, Texas – With A Beautifully Restored Train Depot
Itasca, Texas – With A Beautifully Restored Train Depot. Itasca, Texas, received its name from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, at the head of the Mississippi River. The name is derived from the Latin phrase “veritas caput,” meaning “true head,” symbolizing the headwaters of the river. Early settlers were inspired by the grandeur of…
Olney, Texas – Oil Executives and the Hamilton Hotel
Olney, Texas – Oil Executives and the Hamilton Hotel. Olney, Texas, is a small town located in Young County, with roots that stretch back to the late 19th century. The town was established in the 1870s and officially named Olney in 1879. While the exact reason behind the town’s name remains uncertain, it…
Whitney, Texas – Unique Blend of History and Nature
Whitney, Texas – Unique Blend of History and Nature. Whitney, Texas, is named after Charles A. Whitney, the chief engineer of the Houston and Texas Central Railway. When the railroad was extended through Hill County in the late 19th century, the small town that emerged was named in his honor. The railroad played…
Venus, Texas – Named for a Child, Not a Mythical God
Venus, Texas – Named for a Child, Not a Mythical God. Venus, Texas, was named after the daughter of a local doctor, Dr. D. R. Howell, who was a prominent figure in the area when the town was first settled. Unlike the mythological goddess Venus, this namesake reflects the personal connection and familial…
Hamilton, Texas – A Town Rich in History and Heritage
Hamilton, Texas – A Town Rich in History and Heritage. Hamilton, Texas, is a small town with a big history, located in the heart of Central Texas. The town was first settled in the mid-1850s, during a period when settlers were moving westward in search of new opportunities. Named after James Hamilton Jr.,…
Kaufman, Texas – A Small Town with Deep Roots
Kaufman, Texas – A Small Town with Deep Roots. Kaufman, a small town located southeast of Dallas, holds a unique place in the history of Texas. The town was originally established under the name “Kings Fort” in the 1840s. It was later renamed in 1851 to honor David Spangler Kaufman, an influential figure…
Meridian, Texas – A Small Town with a Storied Past
Meridian, Texas – A Small Town with a Storied Past. Meridian, Texas, is a small town steeped in history, located in the heart of Bosque County. The town was first settled in 1854, making it one of the earliest communities in the region. Named after its location near the 98th meridian, Meridian was…
Cranfills Gap, Texas – A Hidden Gem in Bosque County
Cranfills Gap, Texas – A Hidden Gem in Bosque County. Cranfills Gap, Texas, is a small, charming town nestled in the rolling hills of Bosque County. The town was first settled in the late 1850s, with the arrival of Norwegian immigrants who were drawn to the area’s fertile land and scenic beauty. The…
San Saba, Texas – The Pecan Capital of the World
San Saba, Texas – The Pecan Capital of the World. San Saba, Texas, was first settled in the mid-1850s by pioneers drawn to the area’s fertile soil and the abundance of fresh water provided by the San Saba River. Officially founded in 1856, the town was named after the river, which in turn…
De Leon, Texas – Peaches and Melons
De Leon, Texas – Peaches and Melons. De Leon, Texas, derives its name from the Leon River, which was named by Spanish explorers. The river was likely named “Rio de Leon,” meaning River of the Lion. This historical connection highlights the Spanish influence in naming geographical features across Texas. Early Settlement and Founding…
Comanche, Texas – A Town Steeped in History
Comanche, Texas – A Town Steeped in History. Comanche, Texas, takes its name from the Comanche Native American tribe, which once roamed the region long before European settlers arrived. The tribe played a significant role in the history of the area, known for their horseback skills and dominance across the plains. The town…
Small Town Texas – A Photographic Journey
Small Town Texas – A Photographic Journey. Welcome to a captivating visual journey through the heart of Texas, where the charm of small towns meets the lens of Mansfield Photography. With thousands of stunning photographs, we explore the picturesque landscapes, thriving communities, and the unique character of small towns that make Texas truly…
Bluff Dale, Texas – Small Town Charm with a Historic Bridge
Bluff Dale, Texas – Small Town Charm with a Historic Bridge. Bluff Dale, Texas, is a small, charming town located in Erath County, about an hour southwest of Fort Worth. Settled in the late 1850s, the town was founded by pioneers who were drawn to the area’s rolling hills, fertile land, and proximity…
Iredell, Texas – Rich History, Now Nearly a Ghost Town
Iredell, Texas – Rich History, Now Nearly a Ghost Town. Iredell, Texas, is a small town located in Bosque County, founded in the 1850s. The town was named after Ward Keeler’s son, Ire. Attracted by the fertile land and proximity to the Bosque River, pioneers began to settle in the region to establish…
Walnut Springs, Texas – Rattlesnake Roundup!
Walnut Springs, Texas – A Charming Town with a Rattlesnake Roundup! Walnut Springs, Texas, is a quaint town located in Bosque County, nestled between the rolling hills and limestone bluffs of the Texas Hill Country. The town was settled in the late 1860s and named after the nearby natural springs that were surrounded…
Dickens, Texas – And H.A.C. Brummett
Dickens, Texas – And H.A.C. Brummett. Dickens, Texas, located in the northern part of the state, was named after J. Dickens, a soldier who died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. The town carries a rich history, honoring the bravery and legacy of those who fought for Texas independence. As the…
Roaring Springs, Texas – Rich History and Natural Beauty
Roaring Springs, Texas – A Town with Rich History and Natural Beauty. Roaring Springs, Texas, is named after the powerful springs that once roared through the area, providing life-sustaining water to early settlers and Native Americans. These springs, located in the Caprock region, were a vital water source for cattle drives and settlers…
Grandview, Texas – A Texas Small Town
Grandview, Texas – A Texas Small Town. Grandview, Texas, was given its name by an early settler who stood on a hilltop and admired the sweeping views of the landscape. The “grand view” of the surrounding countryside made such an impression that it became the town’s name, perfectly capturing its scenic beauty and…
Maypearl, Texas – A Quiet Escape
Maypearl, Texas – A Quiet Escape. Maypearl, Texas, is said to have gotten its name from a combination of two family names: May and Pearl. These were the names of the daughters of two officials of the International-Great Northern Railroad. This unique blend of names gave the town a charming and memorable identity…
Gorman, Texas – Small Town Celebrating Peanuts
Gorman, Texas – Small Town Celebrating Peanuts. Gorman, Texas, was named after Patrick Gorman, roadmaster of the Texas Central Railroad in 1889. . Early Settlement and Founding The town of Gorman was first settled in the late 19th century, with its official founding occurring in 1889. The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad…
Alvarado, Texas – Oldest Town in Johnson County
Alvarado, Texas – Oldest Town in Johnson County. The community’s first sheriff, A. H. Onstoott, is credited with naming Alvarado for Alvarado, Veracruz, a city in Mexico that played a role during the Mexican-American War. The name reflects the connection between Texas and its southern neighbor, as well as the area’s early settlers…
Fairfield, Texas – A Blend of History and Southern Charm
Fairfield, Texas – A Blend of History and Southern Charm. Fairfield, Texas, is a quaint town located in Freestone County, known for its rich history and small-town charm. The town was named after Fairfield, Alabama, in honor of many of the citizen’s previous home of Fairfield, Alabama. It was a common practice for…
Benjamin, Texas – A Small Town with a Storied Past
Benjamin, Texas – A Small Town with a Storied Past. Benjamin, Texas, the county seat of Knox County, was named after Benjamin Clark, the son of early settler Hilory Bedford Clark. Hilory Clark established a ranch in the area in the late 19th century, and when a post office was needed, the town…
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LATEST FROM THE JOURNAL:
Aperture Priority Mode and ISO 100
Aperture Priority Mode and ISO 100 – A Photographer’s Perspective. As a landscape photographer, my go-to camera mode is aperture priority. It allows me to take full control of the depth of field while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed. But one setting I rarely touch is ISO. I have a strong…
Exploring Lake Steinhagen
Exploring Lake Steinhagen, Texas – The Lake of Light! …the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. – Matthew 4:16. Located in the heart of East Texas, Martin Dies Jr. State Park offers a rich mix…
The Beautiful Courthouses of Texas – A Photographer’s Dream
Beautiful Courthouses of Texas – A Photographer’s Dream. The history of Texas county courthouses is a captivating reflection of the state’s growth, regional pride, and architectural evolution. As Texas developed throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the establishment of counties became a crucial part of organizing the vast territory. With each new…