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:
La Grange, Texas – Beautiful and Historic
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…
Marlin, Texas – From Mineral Waters to Major League Baseball
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…
Palestine, Texas – A Gateway to East Texas Charm and History
Palestine, Texas – A Gateway to East Texas Charm and History. Located in the heart of East Texas, Palestine is a town that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern charm. Its rich past, picturesque downtown, and welcoming community have made it a destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a…
Mineral Wells, Texas -A Healing Past and a Bright Future
Mineral Wells, Texas – A Healing Past and a Bright Future. Founded in 1877, Mineral Wells’ history is tied to its unique, mineral-rich waters, which were discovered by settlers suffering from various ailments. A well was drilled on the property of James Lynch in 1880. The water had a funny taste that worried…
Tehuacana, Texas – Texas Hall and Founding of Trinity University
Tehuacana, Texas – Texas Hall and Founding of Trinity University. Nestled in Limestone County, the town’s name originates from the Tehuacana Indians. Early settlers adopted this indigenous name when the area was settled in the mid-1800s, drawn by the region’s fertile lands and picturesque hills. The town’s location, situated between larger urban centers,…
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…
West, Texas – A Taste of Czech Heritage in the Heart of Texas
West, Texas – A Taste of Czech Heritage in the Heart of Texas. Located just off of Interstate 35 about an hour south of Dallas and Fort Worth, West, Texas, is more than just a stop along the way—it’s a destination that draws visitors from all over the world for its unique cultural…
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…
Menard, Texas – A Frontier Town and the Presidio of San Saba
Menard, Texas – A Frontier Town and the Presidio of San Saba. Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Menard is a town with deep historical roots and a connection to one of the most important Spanish colonial landmarks in the state—Presidio of San Saba. From its early settlement to its modern…
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…
Saint Jo, Texas – Where History Meets the Trail’s End
Saint Jo, Texas – Where History Meets the Trail’s End. Nestled in the rolling hills of North Texas, Saint Jo boasts a name steeped in both history and legend. Founded in 1856 by surveyor Joe Howell, the town was initially called Head of Elm. Howell was said to have opposed alcoholic beverage sales, and was…
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…
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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…