HISTORICAL

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, there is an admission fee to visit each attraction. Please visit the attraction's website, if available, for more information

1859 GOODMAN-LEGRAND HOME AND MUSEUM

624 N. Broadway PHONE: (903) 531-1286 WEBSITE     A delight for antique lovers and historians, this Tyler landmark brings the past to life with original furnishings, photographs and memorabilia dating from the mid-1800's. FREE Admission!

AMERICAN FREEDOM MUSEUM

22450 FM 2493 (Bullard, TX) PHONE: (903) 894-5252 WEBSITE     Step into history at the American Freedom Museum. Come explore the Museum's 15,000 square feet of galleries containing an amazing collection of over 600 artifacts and documents from the breadth of our nation’s history.

THE BONNER-WHITAKER MCCLENDON HOUSE

806 W Houston PHONE: (903) 592-3533 WEBSITE     One of the finest examples of Eastlake Bracketed Victorian Architecture remaining in East Texas. Guided tours depict Tyler's political and cultural history from post-Civil War. Birthplace of noted Washington D.C. news correspondent, Sarah McClendon. Also available for weddings and parties. Tours available by appointment only. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.

CAMP FANNIN VETERANS MEMORIAL

11937 US Hwy 271 WEBSITE     Self guided tour of the original 15,000 acre camp; including Regimental markers and site locations for various training exercise areas are indentified in the guide. Guides may be obtained at the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler Hospital Information Desk.

CAMP FORD HISTORIC PARK

US Hwy 271, 0.8 miles north of Loop 323 PHONE: (903) 592-5993 WEBSITE EMAIL     Camp Ford was the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War. The site of the camp is now a public park, managed by the Smith County Historical Society. The park features a kiosk with extensive graphics detailing the history of the camp, a walking trail with interpretive signage, a reconstruction of a POW cabin, and picnic facilities. Open daily, dawn to dusk. FREE admission, but donation suggested.

COTTON BELT DEPOT

210 E. Oakwood St. (downtown, 2 blocks Northeast of the Chamber of Commerce) PHONE: (903) 533-8057 The Cotton Belt Depot was built in 1905 and began serving passengers on the Cotton Belt Line in 1907. Visitors are encouraged to take a look around and step back in time, remembering the thousands of travelers who passed through this historic structure in the early and mid-1900’s. In addition to touring this historic building, visitors can also enjoy The Bragg Model Train Collection on permanent display at the depot. FREE admission!

DEWBERRY PLANTATION

14007 FM 346W (Bullard, TX) PHONE: (903) 825-9000 WEBSITE     Myrtle-Vale and the surrounding gardens can be rented for weddings, receptions, private parties, tented functions or general meetings. Please call for prices. Food service can be catered. Located immediately west of the mansion, the site can accommodate over 250 people with all of the charm, ambiance and a glimpse into the life and times of Antebellum East Texas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, the house is the oldest two-story structure in Smith County. Guided tours take visitors back to the era of an 1850's Southern plantation.

HISTORIC AVIATION MEMORIAL MUSEUM

150 Airport Drive (1/2 mile south of Hwy 64 West on Airport Drive, within old airline terminal) PHONE: (903) 526-1945 WEBSITE     An incredible display of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia as a tribute to pioneers of flight. Advanced reservations needed for group tours.

ROSELAND PLANTATION

2601 State Hwy 64W (Ben Wheeler, TX) PHONE: (903) 849-5553 WEBSITE EMAIL     Originally a 3,300 acre cotton plantation established by Mr. Burwell Hambrick, Roseland Plantation is now 14 acres of combination manicured lawn and beautiful east Texas wood. Roseland Plantation has five historic buildings, all dating back to the 1800’s, and a rich and colorful history starting from pre-civil war to today. Tours are described as interesting, informative, with happy and sad tales and an unexpected surprise at the end! Voted 2006 east Texas’ #2 attraction by the East Texas Motorcoach FAM tours.

SMITH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

125 S. College PHONE: (903) 592-5993 WEBSITE EMAIL     Included in the National Register of Historic Places, the 1904 Carnegie Library building today serves as the Society's museum and archives. Exhibits feature artifacts reflecting Smith County's historic, social and economic culture, including the Indian, Republic of Texas, Civil War and 20th Century eras. Photographs and publications are available for purchase. FREE admission, but donation suggested.

THE TEXAS STATE RAILROAD

Park Road 70, Hwy 84 East, Palestine, TX PHONE: (888) 987-2461 WEBSITE     This historic train offers both steam and diesel excursions that travel through the scenic piney woods and hardwood creek bottoms of East Texas where rolling hills, nature and wildlife abound. Passengers may board excursion trains at either the Rusk (Park Road 70, Hwy 84 East, Palestine, TX) or Palestine (Park Road 76, Hwy 84 East, Palestine, TX) depots where southern hospitality is the norm