Jefferson has played an important role in the early development of the state. Once a center of culture and refinement, of stern-wheelers, wagon trains, and ox-team freighters, Jefferson was once the pride of this great state and the entire people around which revolved graceful living, southern charm, prestige, and. productivity. The town’s bygone glories cannot be forgotten, and today Jefferson is a most eloquent reminder of an era long since vanished.
Jefferson Historical Society and Museum www.jeffersonmuseum.com or call 903-665-2775. Four floors of Marion County and Jefferson history.
Museum of Measurement and Time www.museumofmeasurementandtime.org or call 903-665-6668. Private collection of Johnny and Edith Ingram of maps, clock, surveying equipment. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
Jefferson Carnegie Library www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com or call 903-665-8911. An original Carnegie Library built in 1907.
House of the seasons www.houseoftheseasons.com 903-665-8000 The House of the Seasons was built in 1872 during the glory days of Jefferson, the largest inland port in Texas at that time. Colonel Benjamin H. Epperson who built the house was a prominent lawyer, political leader, entrepreneur, and confidante of Sam Houston. Available for tours call for reservations. The house is a fine example of the transition period between the Greek Revival and Victorian styles of architecture. The most unique features of the house are the cupola and the murals. In the cupola, under the picture, each wall contains a different colored stained glass that creates the illusion of the seasons of the year.
Gone with the Wind Museum www.scarlettohardy.com or call 903-665-1939. A 1,700 square foot museum, dedicated to Gone With the Wind, features one of the world’s largest private collections of memorabilia from this epic story of the Old South.
Singleton Virginia Cross Home Tour www.virginiacross.com or call 903-665-3938. Historic antebellum home furnished in antiques of the period. Guided tour of home at 1.00 PM on Saturdays.
Excelsior House www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. The Excelsior House is the second oldest continuously running hotel in the state of Texas. The Excelsior House is open for tours weekdays at 2pm and at 1pm and 2pm on weekends.
Ruth Lester Playhouse www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. Built in 1860 and having been everything from a convent to a Jewish Synagogue, the Ruth Lester playhouse has been lovingly restored and is full of period antiques.
Jay Gould’s Rail car Atalanta www.theexcelsiorhouse.com or call 903-665-2513. The “Atalanta” has luxurious interior with four staterooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry and bathroom. Open daily 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Civil War Powder Magazine www.VisitJeffersonTexas.com or call 903-665-3733. Join Jefferson’s Tourism Director, Jeff Campbell, for an out and back walk for an “Across the Bayou View” of the Jefferson Confederate Powder Magazine. The structure is the only surviving powder magazine in Texas. The walk is approximately 1/3 Mile in each direction. Reservations are required