This East Texas community was moved from three miles away when the railroad came to the region in 1872. The area is rich with fertile soil and grows a bountiful tomato crop, one celebrated with an annual festival called Tomato Fest. The city abounds with concrete tomatoes which adorn businesses and yards around town and the high school football stadium has been dubbed “The Tomato Bowl.”
The city is home to the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary and Jacksonville College.
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Attractions
Adrenaline Rush Zip Line. A unique way to admire the East Texas forest area as you soar through the trees. 2371 CR 1613.
Killough Monument. Memorial at the site of a Native American massacre, the place where several East Texas native residents were killed October 5, 1838 by members of the Cherokee tribe. U.S. 69 north to Mt. Selman, FM 855 to Larissa.
Lake Jacksonville. This park features camping, picnicking, and sites for barbecues on the shores of the 1,325-acre lake. Fishing for largemouth bass is excellent here. From Jacksonville, 3 mi southwest via U.S. 79, to College Ave exit.
Love’s Lookout Park. Lookout point surveys over 30 miles of the surrounding countryside and includes picnic sites, an information center and restrooms. 43822 Hwy. 69 N.
Festivals
JUNE:
Tomato Fest. Tomato eating and peeling contests, a salsa competition, a talent show and street dance highlight this annual ode to Jacksonville’s most famous crop. Prizes are also awarded for the best home-grown tomatos. A large farmers’ market offers tomatoes for sale. Downtown at Commerce and Austin Streets.
NOVEMBER:
Christmas on Commerce. This holiday fair features arts and crafts, live entertainment and photos with Santa Claus while local businesses offer special holiday sales. Norman Activity Center, 526 E. Commerce St.
Map
For More Information
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
Photo credit: Larry D. Moore [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
