At Mansfield Photography, we’ve had the privilege of exploring over 400 small towns and hidden gems across Texas. While we haven’t seen every corner of the state, we’ve curated a unique Texas bucket list that highlights lesser-known spots deserving of recognition. These places, often overshadowed by the state’s more famous landmarks, showcase a variety of unique characteristics, from interesting landmarks to local culture. Our focus is on these unrecognized treasures—small towns and areas that deserve a closer look and a place on every Texas adventurer’s list. As we continue our travels, we’ll keep updating this list with new discoveries.
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 bucket list unique is that we’ve experienced each town firsthand—this isn’t just a list compiled…
Marshall, Texas – The Town of Nicknames. Marshall, Texas, is a town that wears its history, culture, and beauty proudly. From its early days as a transportation hub to its modern identity as a cultural beacon, this East Texas city has continually adapted and thrived. Founded in 1841 and named after Chief Justice John Marshall,…
Kilgore, Texas – Home of the “World’s Richest Acre”. Founded in 1872 with the arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad, Kilgore, Texas, began as a modest railroad stop. It was named after Constantine Buckley Kilgore, a local landowner, politician, and former Confederate officer who played an important role in securing the railway’s path through the…
Mason, Texas – Picture-Perfect Small Town with a Wild History. Tucked into the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the town of Mason has an impressive story dating back to the 1850s. Officially founded in 1858, Mason was named after Fort Mason, an army post established nearby to protect settlers from Native American raids. The…
Castroville, Texas – A Taste of Alsace in the Heart of Texas. Founded in 1844, Castroville traces its origins to Henri Castro, a French empresario who played a key role in bringing European settlers to the Lone Star State. Castro, a Jewish native of France, received a land grant from the Republic of Texas and…
Buffalo Gap, Texas – From County Seat to Quiet Retreat. Buffalo Gap, Texas, got its name from a break in the Callahan Divide where buffalo herds once passed through. Native American tribes, hunters, and settlers alike recognized this natural corridor as a vital route. The town was established in 1875 and quickly became a focal…
Fayetteville, Texas – A Snapshot of Texas History Frozen in Time. Founded in the 1800s, Fayetteville, Texas, is a town where history seems to linger in every corner. This small but historically significant community provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the past, offering an authentic Old West feel that few places can replicate. Whether…
2025 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 travels,…
End of content
End of content
