LONGVIEW

Population 71,598

Altitude 339

General

Seat of Gregg County, settled early 1800s. Rapid development by planters from the Old South after 1850s. Named in 1870 by surveyors for Texas & Pacific Railroad, impressed by long-distance view from village. Discovery of oil in 1930s more than tripled population of 6,000. Today city is dynamic industrial center claiming over 200 manufacturing firms as well as agriculture area; is loading end of the "Big Inch" petroleum product pipeline. Home of LeTourneau University.

An historical 1930 school building has been turned into a festival facility with spring and fall arts and crafts show. For information, visit the Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau at 410 Center Street, or call 903/753-3281.

CARGILL LONG PARK

GREGG COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

LAKES

LONE STAR SPEEDWAY

LONGVIEW MUSEUM AND ARTS CENTER

PLANTATION POTTERY

REO PALM ISLE

R.G. LETOURNEAU MUSEUM

Attractions

• CARGILL LONG PARK-Two-and-a-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.
• 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. Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Housed in historical-marked 1910 bank building. 214 N. Fredonia. Admission.
• LAKES-Caddo, Gladewater, Lake O' the Pines, and many others. Visit Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 Grand Blvd. for free East Texas Lakes Guide. Tel. 903/753-3281.
• LONE STAR SPEEDWAY-Sat. night races feature I.M.C.A. modifieds, dirt south late models, and hot stocks. A three-eighth mile, high bank clay oval track serves a challenging course for drivers. Races every Sat. night Mar. - Oct.; gates opens 6 p.m., racing starts 8 p.m. I-20 at F.M. 2207. Tel. 903/984-3699.
• LONGVIEW ART MUSEUM -Permanent collection of contemporary and regional American artist; changing exhibits. Open Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 102 W. College Ave. Occasionally closed when preparing special exhibits. Tel. 903/753-8103.
• PLANTATION POTTERY-57,000-sq.-ft. complex on ten landscaped acres. See potters turning their wares-pots, churns, and other stoneware on Fri. and Sat. Facility also includes 10,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse; "miniature world," an Old West village on miniature scale; and nature trails. Open Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun. 12:30 - 6 p.m. From I-20, take Eastman Rd. exit; north on U.S. 259 6.5 mi. From Loop 281, take U.S. 259 exit; north .5 mi. Tel. 903/663-3387.
• REO PALM ISLE-Originated as Mattie's Ballroom during the 1930s, is landmark for Longview. Features top Country/Western entertainment year round. Open daily, except Mon. F.M. 1845 at Texas 31. 903/753-4440.
• R.G. LETOURNEAU MUSEUM-Houses many of famed industrialist's patents and business artifacts; some of his early earth-moving equipment on display. On LeTourneau University campus in R.G. LeTouneau Memorial Student Building. 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Campus tours also available; contact campus tour director, 903/233-3675, ext. 314.

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