HUNTSVILLE Pop. 35,078 Alt. 401

General-

Huntsville State Park amid Dense Forests Near HuntsvilleFounded as Indian trading post in 1836, the year of Texas independence. Sam Houston was one of many prominent early Texans who lived here. Today Huntsville is yours to explore. Adventures begin here in one of Texas' oldest cities. It's the location of the headquarters of Texas Department of Criminal justice, Institutional Division, and home of Sam Houston State Univ. Well kept, restored turn-of-the-century homes dot city. The downtown area is home to a variety of antique and arts and crafts shops, Be sure to see the beautiful mural of Sam Houston by architectural illusionist Richard Haas on the northeastern edge of the square. Additional information may be obtained from chamber of commerce at 1327 l1th St.
(Texas 30) or call (409)295-8113 or 1-800-289-0389.

Blue Lagoon-

Primarily for divers; sparkling artesian springs feed old rock quarry creating a beautiful environment for scuba diving. Submerged boats, planes, and platforms are strategically placed in two lagoons. Non-divers must be accompanied by diver. Open Mar. - mid-Nov. Mon. - Fri. 10 Am., - 6 p.m., Sat. 8 Am., - dusk; Sun. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Seven miles north on FM. 247; west one mile to Pine(tale Rd.; or from 1-45, Exit 123 (Pinedale Rd.) four miles east.

Gibbs-Powell House Museum-

Built 1862, an elegantly furnished Greek Revival home operated by Walker Co. Historical Commission. open Thurs., Fri. noon - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun, noon - 5 p.m. At 1228 I1th St. Huntsville State Park-2,123 acres of greenery in Sam Houston National Forest. Complete camping facilities on Lake Raven, marked botany trail, boating, fishing, and swimming. Nine miles south of city on the west side of 1-45. Admission.

Lakes-

Gibbons Creek, Livingston.

Oakwood Cemetery-

Sam Houston's burial site along with other Texas personalities, Union soldiers, pioneers and past residents. Houston's tomb bears Andrew Jackson's tribute, "The world will take care of Houston's fame." Original acreage deeded by founders as free burial place in 1847. Oldest marked burial site is dated 1846. Chamber of commerce can furnish walking tours, 8th St. and Ave. 1,

Sam Houston Memorial Museum Complex-

On 15 original acres belonging to Gen. Houston. Eight buildings: two period furnished homes of Houston, including "Steamboat House"; law office, kitchen, blacksmith shop and gazebo replicas, Site of Gen. Sam Houston Folk Festival in April.

Museum exhibits General's personal effects and items belonging to Santa Anna when captured at San Jacinto; 19th-Century pioneer items. Exhibitliall/gift shop. Romantic park with benches, small picnic area and colorful pond fed by Houston's original spring. open Tues. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. At 1836 Sam Houston Ave.

Sam Houston National Forest-

City is at northwestern boundary of forest.

Sam Houston Statue-

It's the world's tallest statue of an American hero Huntsville native David Adickes turned 60,000 pounds of concrete and steel into a towering 66-foot statue of General Sam Houston. Mounted atop a 10-foot, granite-sheathed base, the statue is visible for more than six miles. Information on the city, attractions, accommodations, and events may be obtained at the adjacent visitor center. Exhibits of Huntsville attractions arc located in the center, as well as a gift shop. 1-45 south of town.

Scenic Drives-

Several routes through Sam Houston National Forest offer woodland beauty. F.M. 1374 (not shown on most maps) leads to near Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, administered by National Forest Service. FM. 1375 east from New Waverly leads to near Walker Lake Recreation Area, also Forest Service facility.

Texas Berry Farm-

Acres and acres of berries where visitors pick their own, plus vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Best season is May - mid-July. Call ahead to find out what's in season. Picnic area available. Pay by the pound of what you pick. North 15 miles on F.M. 980, then 1.3 mi. east on unpaved county road. (409)294-0416.

 

 

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