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…
Bowie, Texas – A Frontier Town with Sharp History and Wild Tales
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
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 – “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
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 Desert
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 – 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 – 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
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…
Brady, Texas – The Heart of Texas
Brady, Texas – The Heart of Texas. Brady, Texas, pulses with a vibrant story that reflects the history, architecture, and unique character of central Texas. Known as the “Heart of Texas” for its location near the geographic center, Brady serves as a fascinating stop for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to…
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…
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,…
Stamford, Texas – Cowboy Reunion and the Stamford Inn
Stamford, Texas – The Texas Cowboy Reunion and the Stamford Inn. Stamford, Texas, may not be a booming metropolis, but its deep-rooted history and cultural charm offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. With its vibrant traditions like the Texas Cowboy Reunion, historic downtown buildings, and architectural highlights like the crumbling Stamford Inn,…
Toyah, Texas – A Ghost Town That Time Erased
Toyah, Texas – A Ghost Town That Time Erased. In the vast landscape of West Texas, the town of Toyah is a haunting reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that defined the American West. Once a thriving community, this near-ghost town is now almost entirely erased from the map, with one of its last…
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…
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…
Anson, Texas – Cowboys, Culture, and “No Dancing”
Anson, Texas – Cowboys, Culture, and “No Dancing”. Anson, Texas, is a small town with a big history, filled with colorful traditions and a unique cultural identity. Founded in 1881 and named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, this town has witnessed decades of change while holding on…
Comfort, Texas – A Hill Country Hideaway
Comfort, Texas – A Hill Country Hideaway. Comfort, Texas, founded in 1854, is a historic and inviting town in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Named for the ease and contentment its founders hoped to find in their new home, Comfort was established by a community of German settlers known for their…
Texas & Beyond Wall Art
Acrylic, Framed, Metal, & More
Stock Photos
Royalty Free as Low as $1.99
Small Town Texas in Photos
225+ Texas Towns, 2500+ Images and Counting!
LATEST FROM THE JOURNAL:
5 Awe-Inspiring Rural Churches in Texas
5 Awe-Inspiring Rural Churches in Texas – Hilltop Churches with Sparse Populations. Finding Rural Churches Across Texas: Driving through rural Texas, it’s surprising to spot towering church spires and grand structures on distant hills. Often visible from miles away, these historic churches are remarkable not only for their architectural beauty but also for…
Bracketing in Photography – Tackling Difficult Lighting
Bracketing in Photography – Tackling Difficult Lighting. Photographing a lively city scene at night can be as challenging as it is exciting. The balance of light and shadow often varies dramatically, making it difficult to capture a well-exposed image in a single shot. If you can’t achieve a good exposure setting, this is…
Creating First Light – The Story Behind the Composition.
Creating “First Light” – The Story Behind the Composition. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. – Genesis 1. Photographing natural landscapes is a journey of patience, exploration, and a bit of luck. For me, these moments are about uncovering the often-overlooked beauty around us and preserving that beauty…