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:
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…
Crockett, Texas – Embracing Heritage in a Modern World
Crockett, Texas – Embracing Heritage in a Modern World. Crockett, Texas, was officially founded in 1837, marking the beginning of its journey as a vibrant community in Houston County. The town was strategically located near the banks of the Trinity River, making it an ideal spot for trade and transportation during its early…
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…
Center, Texas – With A Unique Courthouse Unlike Any Other
Center, Texas – With A Unique Courthouse Unlike Any Other. Center, Texas, was settled in the 1840s, and founded in 1866, right after the Civil War, when settlers came looking for new opportunities in East Texas. Originally known as White Cottage, the town was later renamed to Center in 1866 to reflect its…
Gainesville, Texas – A Town Full of Character and History
Gainesville, Texas – A Town Full of Character and History. Founded in 1850, Gainesville, Texas, began as a humble settlement along the banks of Elm Fork of the Trinity River in North Texas. The town was named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a military officer who had served in the War of 1812…
Groesbeck, Texas – The “Million Dollar Courthouse”
Groesbeck, Texas – The “Million Dollar Courthouse”. Groesbeck, Texas, was founded in 1869 when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad extended its tracks through Limestone County. The town was named after Abram Groesbeeck, a railroad director who played a key role in its establishment. Over time, the spelling of the town’s name was…
Mineola, Texas – Tracks, Trails, and Timeless Tales
Mineola, Texas – Tracks, Trails, and Timeless Tales. Located in the heart of East Texas, Mineola is a town where history, nature, and small-town charm blend seamlessly. While many travelers pass through this region without realizing its rich past, those who stop find themselves immersed in a community with deep roots in the…
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…
Henrietta, Texas – Deadly Frontier and Hereford Cattle
Henrietta, Texas – Deadly Frontier and Hereford Cattle. Located in North Texas, Henrietta may be a small town by today’s standards, but its story is anything but small. With its roots going back to the days of frontier battles, cattle trails, and boom-and-bust railroads, Henrietta’s history is deeply intertwined with the narrative of…
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,…
Henderson, Texas – A Town that Ignited History
Henderson, Texas – A Town that Ignited History. Founded in 1843, Henderson, Texas, is named after James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of the state. This town, located in East Texas, quickly grew to become a significant commercial hub in the region. With its rich agricultural lands and prime location, Henderson became one…
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…
Big Spring, Texas – The Oasis of West Texas
Big Spring, Texas – The Oasis of West Texas with a Story to Tell. Founded in the late 19th century, Big Spring, Texas, earned its name from a natural spring that once flowed in the area, serving as a vital water source for Native Americans, settlers, and travelers. While the spring has since…
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,…
Bronte, Texas – A Small Town with a Big Story
Bronte, Texas – A Small Town with a Big Story. Bronte, Texas, located in Coke County, is a charming small town with a rich historical backdrop and a resilient community spirit. This article delves into its origins, development, and how the town continues to maintain its identity today. The Origins and Name of…
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Bracketing in Photography – Tackling Difficult Lighting
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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)
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