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.

Stop when something catches your eye.

Those moments tend to matter more than the planned ones.

Love’s Lookout Park

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

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Things to Do in Jacksonville

Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Cherokee Country Club

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

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Let it unfold.

Not everything needs to be scheduled to be meaningful.

Lookout Mountain

First Monday Trade Days offers all sorts of wares, antiques, and collectibles. Camping facilities available…

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Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Scenic Drives

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

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Pause when it feels right.

Some stops aren't on the map, but they're worth taking.

Killough Monument

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

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Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Vanishing Texana

Museum in Jacksonville Public Library displays Cherokee County historical items.

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Upcoming Events

Nearby Lakes & Parks