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Longview, Texas

Longview was settled as the seat of Gregg County in the early 1800s. There was a period of rapid development by planters from the Old South after 1850. Longview was founded on 100 acres purchased by the Southern Pacific Railroad for one gold dollar ($1) and named by railroad surveyors impressed by the long-distance view from the top of Rock Hill. Discovery of oil in 1930s more than tripled the population of 6,000.

Today Longview is a dynamic industrial center claiming over 200 manufacturing firms, and home of LeTourneau University.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

R. G. LeTourneau Museum

Houses many of famed industralist's patents and business artifacts; some of his early earth-moving equipment on display. On LeTourneau University campus in R.G. LeTourneau Memorial Student Building. Campus tours also available;

Longview, TX Museums

Heritage Plaza

Built on the site of the Gregg Hotel (1929), the second hotel to be owned and operated by Conrad Hilton. This historic park in the city's downtown district portrays Longview's first 100

Longview, TX Entertainment

Reo Palm Isle

A Longview landmark which opened in 1937 as the Palm Isle Club. Operated during WWII by owner of Mattie's Ballroom, another popular Big Band club of the era. Features top country/Western entertainment year-round. FM 1845 at Texas 31

Longview, TX Landmarks

Cargill Long Park

Two-and-one-half mile walking, jogging, and bike trail flanked by towering pines and native flora. Signed exercise stations; benches, picnic tables, playground; handicapped access. Open daily 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., on Hollybrook Street one block west of U.S. 259; northeast edge of city south of Loop 281

Longview, TX Parks

Gregg County Historical Museum

Exhibits devoted to local East Texas history, agriculture, communications, and military collections. Reproductions of early rooms: banker's office, parlor, kitchen, and interior of log cabin. Audiovisual historical program. Housed in historical-marked 1910

Longview, TX Museums

Things to do near Longview, TX

Newton County History Center and Museum

Museum houses the archives, archeology, history and artifacts of Newton County. It is also a genealogical library....

Jones State Forest

A 1,725 acres pine and hardwood forest. Five miles southwest via I-45 and F.M. 1488. Birdwatcher's haven with more than 150 s...

Marshall Pottery & Museum

Established in 1896, one of the largest manufacturers of glazed pottery in the U.S., producing millions of red clay pots and ...

Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Chartered in 1970, the museum houses a comprehensive collection of paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture foc...

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 ...