This town began as a railroad community in the 1870s. Most of the original settlers of Giddings were Wendish immigrants (Germans of Slavic descent) who also settled the nearby community of Serbin. Today Giddings remains a quiet railroad town, although oil production has taken over as the major economic activity.
Giddings is the seat of Lee County (courthouse, above).
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Attractions
Fireman’s Park. This park includes an RV park, picnic grounds, ballfield, rodeo grounds, and even an antique carousel. The carousel, restored by local residents, was left in Giddings during the Depression by a traveling carnival as a debt payment. Today it is operated only during city events. The park is located two miles west of Giddings on US 290.
Lee County Heritage Center. This museum illustrates the history of Lee county and Giddings through exhibits of photographs and artifacts. It is located in the Greek Revivial Schubert-Fletcher home which was built in 1879. 173 E. Hempstead.
Lee County Museum. This small museum across from the courthouse contains numerous local history displays. It is located in the former house of a pioneer doctor. Grimes and Industry Streets.
Rural Texas Tourism Center. Promoting the rural attractions of the state, this center is housed in a former railroad depot. 289 W. Railroad Ave.
Union Station Transportation Museum. Giddings began as a railroad town and this museum explores the role the railroad played in the development of the area. 289 W. Railroad Ave.
Festivals
MAY:
Lee County Fair.
JULY:
July 4th Fireman’s Celebration.
SEPTEMBER:
Texas Word Wrangler Festival. This literary festival is sponsored by the Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center and the Chamber of Commerce as a celebration of the written word. 276 N. Orange.