General-
Founded 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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