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The City of Jefferson, Texas..."Riverport to the Southwest". At a time when steamboats plied the Big Cypress River from the Port of New Orleans, true Southern gentility was the order of the day. This sense of timelessness prevails even unto today.

Let yourself be whisked away to a land not far away as you glide peacefully along an open-air riverboat where Jefferson’s colorful past comes alive. Take a ride into the 19^th century as you travel on a steam engine train of which played a significant role in Jefferson’s history.

Relax in a carriage ride and hear the many legends and lore. Relive the past as you stroll through museums and special places of interest. Spend a memorable evening in an historic hotel or motel or one of the many elegant bed & breakfasts. Jefferson is well known as the Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Texas.

Ease along the brick streets as you enter the merchant’s shops and be dazzled by their variety of wares. Allow yourself to be captivated by culinary delights ranging from casual to fine dining.

Settle in for a journey through time when the living was easy and the era was golden. As you stand on the banks of the Big Cypress you’ll get a sense of days gone by. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the whistle of steamboats entering port, the rustle of long petticoats and riverboat gamblers trying their fortune.

    Jefferson, Texas is located on Big Cypress Bayou in the Cypress Valley of Northeast Texas. It is the County seat for Marion county. Named for Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War patriot who was known as the "Swamp Fox", Marion County was created in 1860. Jefferson was named for Thomas Jefferson, and was conceived as a port city by Allen Urquhart and Daniel Alley, who saw its potential as the head of navigation when they prepared a plan for the town site in 1841.

    In 1845, when obstructions were removed from Big Cypress Bayou, steamboats could reach Jefferson from New Orleans. After the arrival of the first steamboat, Jefferson became a boom town where many pioneers to Texas first set foot on Texas soil when they disembarked from the steamboats.

     Jefferson became a port of entry into the Republic of Texas and then the State of Texas. It was also a shipping port for those who wished to sell agricultural products, especially cotton. Cotton was brought to Jefferson from as far away as Dallas by ox wagon and then sold in Jefferson through receiving, forwarding, and commission merchants to markets in New Orleans and St. Louis.

     During Jefferson's Golden Era as a steamboat port from 1845 until 1875, it became a cosmopolitan town like most port cities with a confluence of cultures and businesses. The architectural styles, which developed in Jefferson during this period of prosperity, resembled those of New Orleans. The homes were primarily of Greek revival design.

     When the log raft was removed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the year 1873, the water level in Big Cypress Bayou was reduced and navigation to Jefferson was threatened. Railroads were also extended during this period of time across Texas, which reduced Jefferson's commercial market area. The town ceased to be a prominent port city and commercial center. However, many of the mid-nineteenth century homes and buildings remain.

    Jefferson has become a community with a high quality of life. Tourists come to Jefferson seeking the ambience, relaxation and activities which are provided here. Jefferson boasts many bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, places of entertainment and shops. There are boat rides on Big Cypress Bayou and Caddo Lake, wagon and surrey rides, rides on a railroad train and tours of historic homes. New residents from across the United States have chosen Jefferson for their home because it is an open, friendly community where people from diverse places and backgrounds feel comfortable in a progressive setting. One of the most common statements from those who have experienced Jefferson is "Jefferson is a magical place and a town that time forgot."



Caddo Lake

   Caddo lake is located in Marion County, Harrison County and Caddo Parish Louisiana, a few miles east of Jefferson. It is a beautiful water garden of bayous, cypress trees, Spanish moss, lotuses and water lilies. There are many fine homes and restaurants located on Caddo lake and Big Cypress Bayou. Both day and night tours of this majestic swamp are available. To visit Caddo Lakes Web-site, please go to www.caddolakecollections.com and enjoy the history along with some beautiful photos.

Lake O' the Pines

   Lake O' the Pines is a lake operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It has large open water for sailboats, ski boats and other water craft. Its camping nature trails, beaches and other recreational areas are outstanding. On its shores are homes, restaurants and boat marinas.    To visit Lake O' the Pines Web-site, please go to www.lakeothepines.com and enjoy the history, fishing report, property for sale and rent, and scenes of the lake.

    Jefferson is a pedestrian community. A resident or visitor can walk to banks, restaurants, coffee shops, governmental offices, antique shops, bars, and park in an intimate riverfront setting. It has recently relocated a circa 1934 Texas Forest Service tower near downtown for broadband access to all wireless services including wireless Internet. For information regarding Jefferson's Annual Christmas Tour of Homes please visit the website historicjeffersonfoundation.com for more information.

   Jefferson welcomes investors with energy and vision. Jefferson affords its investors the opportunity to participate in developing a world class community.

903-665-2672
Fax - 903-665-8233
888-GO RELAX (888-467-3529)
101 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657
jeffersontx1@att.net

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT


May 23, 2013 - May 27, 2013

ENOCH'S STOMP VINEYARD & WINERY

Monday, May 27: "Enoch's South African Barn Stomp" @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

South African style BBQ, featuring whole pig roasted over open fire pit.

Featuring live music by: Joanna Endsley & Band

Adults - $28.50    Children - $15.00

For Reservations & Info: Jenny @ (903) 238-7365

www.enochsstomp.com

MEMORIES & MORE

New Restaurant Hours: Monday & Tuesday - 5-9pm; Closed Wednesday;

Thursday & Friday - 4-10pm; Saturday - 11am - 10pm; Closed Sunday

Thursday, May 23:    "Dinner Music" @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday, May 24:         "Glennda Abraham" (Pianist & vocals) @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 25:    "Glennda Abraham" (Pianist & vocals) @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: 121 W. Austin St.

(903)665-8203

www.memoriesandmorerestaurant.com

THE CORK YARD

Restaurant hours: 4:00 noon-12:00 a.m. Thursday; 12:00 noon-12:00a.m. Friday & Saturday;

12:00 noon-8:00 pm Sunday & Monday; Closed Tuesday & Wednesday

Friday Dinner Special - Prime Rib

Friday, May 24: "Wes Hamilton" (Texas Country Fiddle Playing)

@ 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. (No Cover)

Saturday, May 18: "Rafael Espinoza" (Texas Country/Bluesman)

w/Curtis Lane & Tom Bohannon @ 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (No Cover)

Reservations suggested

Sunday, May 26: Mudbugs & Jesus with "Daniel Foster" @ 4:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: 122 E. Austin St.

(903)665-8500

AUNTIE SKINNER'S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT

Restaurant hours: 11:00 am-10:00 pm Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-1:00am Friday,

7:00 am-1:00 am Saturday, 7:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday

Friday, May 24: "Karaoke"   @ 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 a.m. (No Cover)

Saturday, May 25: "Diddley Squat" (Southern Rock)

@ 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. ($5.00 Cover)

Location: 107 W. Austin St.

(903) 665-7121

www.auntie-skinners.com

DIAMOND "B" FRANCHISE

Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday @ 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday - Sunday @ 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 25: "TBA" () @ 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

(903) 665-9200

www.diamondbfranchise.com

HISTORIC JEFFERSON GHOSTWALK

Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 p.m. ($12.00 per person)

Location: Corner of Austin & Vale St.

Information & Additional Tours: (903) 665-6289

www.jeffersonghostwalk.com

LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Historical tours of Jefferson by horse & carriage and Mule Drawn Wagon specializing in weddings

(30 min. ride for four or less $40.00) ($10.00 per person for large groups of 5 or more)

(15min. Children's rides) Groups, Weddings and special events available by appointment

Departs from corner of Austin & Market (across from the Jefferson Historical Museum)

(903) 926-8216   Call for reservations   *Blanket available to use on the ride

www.jeffersontexascarriage.com

THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR

405 Moseley

Saturday, May 25: @ 2:00 p.m. * By appointment

Sunday, May 26: @ 11:00 a.m. * By appointment

(903) 665-8018 Call to confirm tour dates and times ($6.00 per person)

www.thegrove-jefferson.com

HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY

"Antique Narrow Gauge Train Ride"
Depot Opens at Noon

Saturday, May 25 :
2:30 p.m. Historical narrated day tour

4:30 p.m. Historical narrated day tour

Ghost Stories @ 8:00 p.m. & Ghost Train @ 9:00 p.m.

Open Air Coach: Adults - $12.00; Children under 12 - $8.00; Children under 6 - free

Active Military & Senior 65+ receive 10% discount

All Fares, plus tax. (Schedule & pricing may be adjusted for special events)

Location: Jefferson Depot, 400 E. Austin St.

Information: (866) 398-2038

www.JeffersonRailway.com

HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

409 S. Alley

Daily @ 11:00 a.m. ($10.00 per person) by appointment

(903) 665-8000

www.houseoftheseasons.com

SINGLETON'S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR

401 Soda St.

Saturday, May 25: @ 1:00 p.m. ($7.00 per person)

(903) 665-3938 or (214) 725-6232

Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

CULBERSON HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR

403 N. Walnut

(903) 665-7888   By appointment. Call for tour dates & time

www.culbersonhousebandb.com

EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR TOUR

211 W. Austin

Hotel Tours: Monday-Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Jay Gould Railcar Tours: Monday-Sunday @ 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Excelsior House Tour - $4.00 Jay Gould Railcar Tour - $2.50

(903) 665-2513 Call to confirm tour times

www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

SCARLETT O' HARDY'S "GONE WITH THE WIND" MUSEUM

408 Taylor St. at Main

Thursday & Friday - Closed;

Saturday @ 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. *by appointment*

Adults - $3.00; Children 12 & under - $1.00

(903)665-1939

JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM

223 W. Austin
Daily @ 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
6-12 yrs - $3.00; 13-17 yrs - $4.00;
18-61 - $7.00; 62 & Over - $5.00
(903) 665-2775

R.D. MOSES T & P MODEL RAILWAY

223 W. Austin (Located behind the Jefferson Historical Museum)

Monday-Thursday @ 11:00 & 2:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday @ 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Sunday @ 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

www.jeffersonmuseum.com

SCARLETT O' HARDY'S "GONE WITH THE WIND" MUSEUM

408 Taylor St. at Main

Thursday & Friday @ 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday @ 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. *by appointment*

Adults - $3.00; Children 12 & under - $1.00

(903)665-1939

BILLY CARTER'S GO-DEVIL TOURS ON CADDO LAKE

Location: Johnson's Ranch in Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-3213

Call for reservations ($20.00 per person) *by appointment*

www.caddoguideservice.com

CADDO OUTBACK BACKWATER TOURS

Personalized Tours of Caddo Lake

1869 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX 75661

(903) 789-3384

Call for reservations ($20.00 per person) *by appointment*

www.caddolaketours.com

TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS

Tuesday - Saturday: 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.   *by appointment*

Closed: Sunday & Monday

200 Bayou, Jefferson, TX

Call for Times & Prices

(903) 665-2222      www.jeffersonbayoutours.com

THE GRACEFUL GHOST PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT ON CADDO LAKE

Graceful Ghost Paddlewheel Steamboat - *by appointment*

CLOSED: Sunday & Monday

Pontoon Boat Tours - Daily by reservation   ($20.00 per person)

Call for Steamboat & Gator Park Packages

Location: Shady Glade Marina, 510 Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX

(903) 789-2238          www.gracefulghost.com    Call for reservations & additional tours

CAPTAIN RON'S GATOR PARK, PETTING ZOO & GARDENS

3846 FM Rd #2198 Uncertain, TX

Friday-Sunday @10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adults - $8.00; Children - $6.00

Train Ride w/Gator Park: Adults - $12.00; Children - $10.00

Call for Gator Park & Steamboat Packages

* Open any day for large groups

(903) 789-2100

JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY

301 W. Lafayette

Monday-Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Closed: Sundays

(903) 665-8911   Free internet access

www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com

Additional Visitor & Tour Information:

Marion County Chamber of Commerce

101 N. Polk St.   Jefferson, Texas 75657

(903) 665-2672

www.jefferson-texas.com