Athens, Texas is known as “The Home of the Original Hamburger.” The city says that the all-American favorite was first created downtown by Fletcher Davis or Uncle “Fletch”; the hamburger was so well-loved that the townspeople pooled their money and sent him to the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904 to introduce his creation to the world.
The city is also known for its black-eyed pea production and is a favorite with antiques shoppers.
The rest is history. Three cities now lay claim to the “first hamburger ” but McDonald’s University has acknowledged Athens as the home of the original hamburger, a title also bestowed on the town by the Texas State Legislature.
Today the city celebrates that invention with the annual Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival, held each September.
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Attractions
Purtis Creek State Park
Located in the historic region that was once home to Wichita and Caddo Indians, this park is home to many petroglyphs left by these early residents. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking as well as paddle boats.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the park but not inside park buildings. From Athens, travel 12 miles west on US 175 to Eustace, turn north on FM 316 for 3.5 miles to park.
Edwin L. Cox, Jr. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
This facility, a joint effort between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Athens, features over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums. Located at 5550 F.M. 2495, about four miles east of Athens.
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Photo credit: Earl Nottingham, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department