Where is Jefferson, TX
Jefferson, TX, is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state, near the border with Louisiana. It is situated in the piney woods region, known for its lush forests and rolling hills.
The town is located in Marion County, which is home to a number of lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing and other outdoor activities.
The town of Jefferson itself is known for its rich history and charming downtown area, which features a number of antique shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
It is also home to another attraction…Bigfoot!
In addition to the numerous sightings, reports, etc., Jefferson is the home to the annual Texas Bigfoot Conference, Texas Bigfoot, and is known as the Bigfoot Capital of Texas.
Why is Jefferson the Bigfoot Capital of Texas?
In February 2018, Jefferson, TX, Mayor Carey Heaster Jr. issued a proclamation recognizing the town as the “official Bigfoot capital of Texas.”
According to the proclamation, “numerous Marion County residents have reported multiple sightings of mysterious Bigfoot-like creatures in and around Jefferson for decades,” making the town the “geographical epicenter” of Bigfoot sightings.
The idea for the proclamation came from Craig Woolheater, the founder of the annual Texas Bigfoot Conference, which takes place in Jefferson each October.
The conference, which attracts hundreds of visitors to the town, has also established a scholarship fund for Jefferson High School graduating seniors.
The proclamation also recognizes the conference and the tourists it brings to Jefferson each year, stating that “local officials see the benefit of supporting the educational, social and tourism aspects of Bigfoot research.”
Bigfoot in Jefferson, TX
The town of Jefferson in East Texas has a 5-foot, 3,000-pound, life-sized concrete statue of Bigfoot, which helps support its claim to be the Bigfoot Capital of Texas.
The statue can be found guarding the entrance to the Port Jefferson History and Nature Center’s 1.1-mile walking trail along Big Cypress Bayou, just across the street from the Jefferson Convention and Visitors Bureau.
This impressive statue is a stamp on the town’s reputation as the Bigfoot Capital of Texas and serves as a reminder of the legend that is said to inhabit the area.
Whether you’re a believer in Bigfoot or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, this trail is worth checking out.
The Texas Bigfoot Museum is also coming to Jefferson but is not open at the time of this article.
There’s not a lot of information to be found, but it appears the museum is being opened by Craig Woolheater and will be another feather in the hat of the Bigfoot Capital of Texas.
History of Jefferson, TX
Now that we have the Bigfoot thing covered, let’s dig a little more into Jefferson’s history.
When was Jefferson founded?
There is some uncertainty surrounding the founding of Jefferson, TX.
Some sources suggest that the town was founded in 1836, while others indicate that it was first mentioned as a new settlement in the early 1840s.
What is known is that the town was named in honor of the third President of the United States and appeared on an 1844 map of Bowie County.
Despite the lack of a definite founding date, Jefferson has a long and rich history that has shaped its development and made it a unique and fascinating place.
Who founded Jefferson, TX?
Allen Urquhart and Daniel Alley are both widely credited as co-founders of Jefferson, TX. Urquhart, a professional land surveyor and ferry owner, recognized the potential of the land between Big Cypress and Black Cypress Creek as an ideal place for a new town.
Its location on the bend of the Big Cypress Bayou and its navigable river system made it an attractive location for a commercial center, and Urquhart designed the streets within the town’s business district to face the water for easy cargo access.
Meanwhile, Alley, a real estate developer, saw potential in a tract of land outside the business district for a residential neighborhood.
He established a real estate office in Jefferson and began plotting out the Alley Addition, which featured residential streets running along the compass points.
These two founders’ distinct approaches to town planning can still be seen in the street layouts of Jefferson today.
Heritage
When you visit Jefferson, TX, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 19th century, when the town was a thriving river port.
Today, Jefferson is still reminiscent of its golden era, with antique shops lining the brick streets and horse-drawn carriage tours offering a taste of the past.
The town’s rich history is evident in its charming architecture and the diverse stories that have shaped its development, including accounts of its rise to prosperity as the state’s largest riverport during the mid-1800s.
You can explore this fascinating history through various attractions, including a trip on the bayou, and discover the unique blend of elegance and eccentricity that has made Jefferson the “Queen of the Bayou.”
Things to do in Jefferson, TX
There are a number of things to do in Jefferson, TX for visitors of all ages and interests. Some popular activities in the area are listed below.
Explore the downtown area
Jefferson’s charming downtown area is home to a number of antique shops, restaurants, and other attractions.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, stopping to browse the unique stores or grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.
Visit the Port Jefferson History and Nature Center
This local nature center is home to a number of educational exhibits, as well as a 1.1-mile walking trail along Big Cypress Bayou.
Along the trail, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife and learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Go fishing
Jefferson is located in the piney woods region, which is home to a number of lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Visitors can rent a boat or cast a line from the shore in search of largemouth bass, crappie, and other species.
Visit the historic Jefferson Hotel
This historic hotel, built in the 1800s, is a popular attraction in Jefferson.
Visitors can take a tour of the hotel, which is known for its luxurious amenities and Old South charm, or stay overnight in one of the stylish guest rooms.
Visit Caddo Lake State Park
Located just a short drive from Jefferson, the Caddo Lake State Park is a nature lover’s paradise.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the lake, go fishing, or explore the park’s hiking and biking trails.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other species, making it a great place for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jefferson, TX has established itself as the Bigfoot Capital of Texas, thanks to its long history of Bigfoot sightings, its annual Texas Bigfoot Conference, and its life-size concrete statue of the mythical creature.
Located in the piney woods region of northeastern Texas, Jefferson is a charming town with a rich history and a number of attractions for visitors to enjoy, including antique shopping, outdoor activities, and more.
Whether you’re a Bigfoot enthusiast or simply looking for a unique destination, Jefferson is worth a visit.
So, if you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to stop by and see what all the fuss is about in the Bigfoot Capital of Texas.