ATHENS Pop. 11,297  Alt. 490

Henderson --Henderson County Historicle Museum; recalls pioneer history.


General--

Named either for the capital of Greece or for the city in Georgia, (there is local argument). Seat of Henderson county; an industrial center turning out such diversified products as bricks, televisions, pleasure boats, building components, mobile homes and precision medical devices. Home of Trinity Valley College.

Home of the hamburger, great American fast food staple created in the late 1800’s in a café on the courthouse square by Fletcher Davis; celebrated the last weekend in May at the Uncle Fletcher Davis Home of the hamburger Cook-Off and American Music Festival (also includes a classic car and Harley motorcycle show) sponsored by Operation Rainbow. Once known for its extensive black-eyed pea production, the city pays tribute to the legume on the third weekend in July with the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree. An Old Fiddlers’ Reunion in May draws thousands of traditional country music lovers.

Henderson County Historical Museum -

Vintage and antique memorabilia are displayed in 1896 Faulk-Gaunt building. Replica of early schoolroom; both permanent and special exhibits. Open Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. At 217 North Prairieville Street.

Lakes -

Athens, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Palestine and Richland-Chambers.

New York (Texas) Cheesecake Outlet -

Delicious cheesecakes originally baked in a farmhouse overlooking the hills of New York, Texas (pop. 12), now located in a renovated 1890's building on the east side of the square in downtown Athens at 122 North Palestine. The award winning cheesecake (30 plus flavors) is distributed throughout the U.S. Lunch served daily. Also original arts and crafts, quilts, and antiques. Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.   Call 1-800-225-6982 or 903-675-3665.

Purtis Creek State Recreation Area -

1,533-acre park includes 355-acre Purtis Creek lake. Campsites with water and electricity, picnicking, playground, hiking, rest rooms. Fishing (Large-mouth black bass is catch and release basis only; contact park headquarters for details), fishcleaning area provided for cleaning fish, lighted fishing pier, lighted boat ramp (50 boat maximum allowed on lake, boating fee, no-wake rule). Take U.S. 175 northwest about 9 miles, north on F.M. 316, 3 miles to park. Reservations accepted. (903)425-2332.

 

 

Back to the top