History Overview of Jefferson

Vernon Dalhart mural on the Kahn Hotel

The City of Jefferson, Texas…”Riverport to the Southwest”.

Jefferson is a historic town full of southern charm. The City of Jefferson is located in East Texas where it’s always perfect for a weekend get-a-way, a honeymoon spot, romantic weddings, meetings, retreats, or a one-day family outing.

Ease along the brick streets as you enter the merchant’s shops and be dazzled by their variety of wares. Allow yourself to be captivated by culinary delights ranging from casual to fine dining.

At a time when steamboats plied the Big Cypress River from the Port of New Orleans, true Southern gentility was the order of the day. This sense of timelessness prevails even unto today.
Let yourself be whisked away to a land not far away as you glide peacefully along an open-air riverboat where Jefferson’s colorful past comes alive. Take a ride into the 19th century as you travel on a train that played a significant role in Jefferson’s history. Relax in a horse drawn carriage ride and hear the many legends and lore. Relive the past as you stroll through museums and special places of interest. Spend a memorable evening in an historic hotel or motel or one of the many elegant bed & breakfasts. Jefferson is well known as the Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Texas.

“Golden Era” mural on the Haywood House

Ease along the brick streets as you enter the merchant’s shops and be dazzled by their variety of wares. Allow yourself to be captivated by culinary delights ranging from casual to fine dining.

Settle in for a journey through time when the living was easy and the era was golden. As you stand on the banks of the Big Cypress you’ll get a sense of days gone by. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the whistle of steamboats entering port, the rustle of long petticoats and riverboat gamblers trying their fortune.

Mittie Stephens Stamboat mural on Auntie Skinner’s