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Jacksonville, Texas

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.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


Love's Lookout Park

View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Views


Killough Monument

Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas' worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where massacre took place on Oct. 5, 1838. (not shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Monuments

Scenic Drives

Beautiful hill, forest and lake scenery both north and south on U.S. 69; also along F.M. 747 and F.M. 2138 (neither shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Drives

Things to do near Jacksonville, TX

Historic Upshur Museum

General history museum in 1925-vintage Gilmer Post Office building on courthouse square. Chronological exhibits including Cad...

Vanishing Texana

Museum in Jacksonville Public Library displays Cherokee County historical items. ...

Rose Hill Ampitheater

Unique amphitheater is located in natural crater that is 60 feet deep and 300 yards in diameter. Legend has it that crater wa...

Texas Travel Information Center

In East Texas near the Texas-Louisiana state line on Interstate Highway 20 East, one of the 12 Texas Travel Information Cente...