Jacksonville

Jacksonville was a post office community before 1849, but it moved three miles to its present site when the International-Great Northern Railroad was built in 1872. During the 1930s and ’40s Jacksonville was known as the “tomato capital” when more tomatoes were shipped from here than any other city. Each June the city celebrates Tomato Fest honoring the once important crop.

More than 80 diversified manufacturing firms are located in Jacksonville, many associated with plastic, wood, and air conditioning coils and condensers. It is the home of Baptist Missionary Assocociation Theological Seminary, Jacksonville College, and Lon Morris College. A basket factory-direct store is popular with shoppers.

Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Lookout Mountain

First Monday Trade Days offers all sorts of wares, antiques, and collectibles. Camping facilities available with hookups and hiking trails. Mountain bikers can ride on trails year round.

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Things to Do in Jacksonville

Find your way.

There's no single right route, just the one that fits you.

Love’s Lookout Park

View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35-mile view of East Texas hills

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Start early. Stay late.

The edges of the day tend to hold the best experiences.

Cherokee Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes

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Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Vanishing Texana

Museum in Jacksonville Public Library displays Cherokee County historical items.

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Not every place needs a reason.

Sometimes it's enough just to be there.

Killough Monument

Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas' worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where…

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More road, less rush.

There's no need to hurry through something worth experiencing.

Scenic Drives

Beautiful hill, forest and lake scenery both north and south on U.S. 69; also along…

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Upcoming Events

Nearby Lakes & Parks