TYLER

Population 77,999

Altitude 558

General

Tyler was chartered in 1847 and named after President John Tyler. Tyler has a diversified economy based on oil, manufacturing and agriculture. A famous product is the Tyler rosebush. Site of Texas College, University of Texas at Tyler, and Tyler Junior College, home of "Apache Belles," famous precision dance-drill team.

East Texas Fair, six days late September draws some 100,000 visitors. Outstanding livestock event, large variety of beef and dairy cattle, ponies, swine, sheep, industrial displays and midway attractions.

Texas Rose Festival is held in mid-October and attracts thousands to the floral gala. Includes queen's coronation, rose show, parade and tours to rose nurseries. Most events at Municipal Rose Garden. There is an admission charge for some events.

BROOKSHIRE'S WORLD of WILDLIFE MUSEUM and COUNTRY STORE

CALDWELL ZOO

CAMP FORD

CARNEGIE HISTORY CENTER

GOODMAN-LeGRAND HOME

HUDNALL PLANETARIUM

MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN & MUSEUM

TYLER MUSEUM OF ART

TYLER STATE PARK

Attractions

• BROOKSHIRE'S WORLD of WILDLIFE MUSEUM and COUNTRY STORE - Features more than 250 specimens of animals, reptiles, and fish from Africa and North America. The Country Store is depictive of what grocery stores were like in 1928 with products and fixtures common in early part of century. It also exhibits a 1926 Model T Ford delivery truck and old-time gasoline pump. Outside the museum is an antique fire truck, as well as picnic tables. Open Tues - Fri from 9 a.m. till noon, 1 - 4 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed on major holidays. For groups of 15 or more , call two weeks in advance at 903-534-2169. Located at 1600 W.S.W. Loop 323 & Old Jacksonville Highway.
• CALDWELL ZOO - Started in 1938 as a backyard menagerie; now a free 35 acre zoo with elephant and giraffe houses, monkey island, birds, bears, alligators, aquarium, native Texas exhibit, and even a cow ( milking hours posted). Designed especially for the enjoyment of children. Petting zoo. Open daily; April - September 9:30 a.m. thru 6:00 p.m.; October thru March fro 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located at 2203 Martin Luther King Drive.
• CAMP FORD - At it zenith in spring of 1864, Camp Ford stockade contained some 6,000 Union troops--the largest prisoner of war compound west of the Mississippi. An historical marker in rest area on U.S 271 two miles northeast provides details.
• CARNEGIE HISTORY CENTER - In old library building, exhibits feature artifacts reflecting Tyler's historic, social and economic culture. Displays feature Indian, republic of Texas, Civil War and 20th Century eras. Open Tues thru Sun 1-5 P.M. Located at 125 S. College Street.
• GOODMAN-LeGRAND HOME - Built in 1859 by Gallatin Smith, wealthy young Tyler bachelor and Confederate officer. The stately colonial mansion is now city museum housing artifacts of ante-bellum years, 18th Century dental and medical tools, medicines, antique dressers, and period furniture. Open Mar - Oct from Wed to Sun from 1 -5 p.m. Located at 624 North Broadway.
• HUDNALL PLANETARIUM - At Tyler Junior College, planetarium is one of Texas' largest. Among exhibits are replicas of exploratory space vehicles. Campus east of downtown just off Texas 64.
• MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN & MUSEUM - A 22 acre garden is the nation's largest rose showcase, featuring 38,000 rose bushes representing nearly 500 varieties. roses are at their floral peak from May to November. Commercial growers around Tyler ship hundreds of thousands of bushes to nurseries throughout the nation and to 25 foreign countries. Open daily. Located on West Front Street.
• TYLER MUSEUM OF ART - Features changing displays focusing on special artist or collection. Modern museum building adjacent to Tyler Junior College campus. Open Sept - June, Tues - Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sun 1 -5 p.m. Located at 1300 South Malon Avenue.
• TYLER STATE PARK - A 994 acre scenic playground is in one of the finest forested sections of Texas. Facilities include camping, picnicking, nature trail, screened shelters, rest rooms and showers, snack bar, fishing, swimming, and boats. Located ten mile north via F.M.14, Park Road 16. There is an admission fee.

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