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:
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…
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…
Mount Vernon, Texas – A Tall Tale with History and Tradition
Mount Vernon, Texas – A Tall Tale with History and Tradition. Tucked away in the rolling landscapes of East Texas, Mount Vernon offers visitors a captivating blend of history, small-town charm, and scenic beauty. Though modest in size, this town boasts a rich heritage, picturesque downtown, and beautifully preserved landmarks that make it…
Kerrville, Texas – Heartbeat of Hill Country
Kerrville, Texas – Heartbeat of Hill Country. Kerrville, Texas, is more than a modern town—it’s a land that has held the stories of humanity for thousands of years. Archaeological findings show that the area around Kerrville has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, with ancient artifacts and tools discovered near the Guadalupe River…
Lueders, Texas – Famous Limestone and a Ghost Town
Lueders, Texas – Famous Limestone and a Ghost Town. Lueders, Texas, is a small town in Jones County, with a population that has dwindled over the years. While there are still a few residents who call Lueders home, the once-vibrant downtown area is now largely abandoned, save for the post office. The contrast…
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. This Texas bucket list town was established in 1850 with the hope that it would become a center for culture and education, similar to its…
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…
Center Point, Texas – Resilience and Character
Center Point, Texas – Resilience and Character. Center Point, Texas, holds a unique position in Kerr County history, balancing both quaint rural charm and storied resilience. Established in the 1850s, Center Point was initially a trading post for early settlers seeking supplies and safety. The town’s name arose from its central location between…
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,…
Mexia, Texas – Love Conquers All
Mexia, Texas – Love Conquers All. Mexia, Texas, was named in honor of General José Antonio MexÃa, a prominent Mexican army officer who supported Texas’ independence from Mexico in the 1830s. The MexÃa family owned large tracts of land in the region, and their influence played a role in the naming of the…
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LATEST FROM THE JOURNAL:
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…
Texas Bucket List: Off the Beaten Path (Part 1)
Texas Bucket List – Off the Beaten Path (Part 1). Over the past few years, we’ve driven tens of thousands of miles across Texas, photographing more than 400 small towns. While many people create guides and bucket lists, what sets ours apart is that we’ve personally visited every single town included. Through our…
Texas Bucket List: Off the Beaten Path (Part 2)
Texas Bucket List – Off the Beaten Path (Part 2). Over the past few years, we’ve spent countless hours exploring the backroads of Texas, covering tens of thousands of miles and photographing more than 400 small towns. What makes our journey unique is that we’ve experienced each town firsthand—this isn’t just a list…