JACKSONVILLE

Population 13,020

Altitude 516

General

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

More than 60 diversified manufacturing firms are located here, many associated with plastic, wood, and air conditioning coils and condensers.

Home of Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary, Jacksonville College, and Lon Morris College.

Five factory direct stores are popular with shoppers.

HERRING'S WILDLIFE PARK

KILLOUGH MONUMENT

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

LOVE'S LOOKOUT PARK

SCENIC DRIVES

VANISHING TEXANA

Attractions

• HERRING'S WILDLIFE PARK - Park features exotic deer, aoudad sheep, zebras and many other animals roaming freely on the range. Petting zoo. Drive through or guided tours. 14 miles south of Jacksonville. Take Texas 204 to F.M. 2274, let to County Road 4905.

• KILLOUGH MONUMENT - Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas's worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where massacre rook place on October 5, 1838. seven miles northwest of Jacksonville near community of Larissa; U.S. 69 north to Mount Selman, F.M. 855 west to Larissa.

• LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN - No, it isn't Vail, Lake Tahoe, or Sun Valley, but it's snow skiing in Texas. An artificial ski slope offers skiing, sledding, and other activities. There's also a waterslide and a tubing ride for the summer months. Mountain bikers can ride 15 to 20 miles on trails year 'round. Observation area has 35 mile view of East Texas hills. Camping facilities available with hookups.

• LOVE'S LOOKOUT PARK - The view is breathtaking; picnicking. Five miles north on U.S. 69.

• 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 around Lake Jacksonville.

• VANISHING TEXANA - Museum in Jacksonville Public Library displays Cherokee County historical items. U.S. 69 (South Jackson Street) at Nacogdoches Street.

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:38:47