The Jefferson Historical Museum is in the heart of Big Cypress Bayou, in the little town of Jefferson, Texas. Indeed, it’s just over the Texas border from Arkansas and Louisiana and has all the charm and history of the deep South.
Before you even go inside the museum, you’ll start your exploration over Jefferson’s original red brick streets. Many of the streets are original, and have heard the clip-clop of horse’s hooves as well as the squeal of rubber tires.
What’s in the Jefferson Historical Museum?
The building (circa 1888) housing the museum started out as the Post Office and Federal Court House back in Jefferson’s days as the Queen of the Bayou during its golden era.
The collection contains many distinctive artifacts donated by locals. The dolls above, for example, are from the Golden Age of the Fashion Doll from 1860 through 1890. The middle doll, a 16″ Grenier, is made of the original papier mache, and was the first doll patented in the U.S.
As you’d expect in a local museum, lots of the exhibits showcase lifestyles and agriculture.
Preserving Jefferson’s Heritage as a Bustling Riverport Town
Being a bustling riverport town brought a lot of people to the area. So, the museum pays homage to some of these local legends and events.
- Steamboat captain and riverboat gambler – Captain William Perry
- Kelly’s Foundry – 1852
- Great Jefferson Fire of 1863
- Local Underground Railroad Network
- Caddo Nation who inhabited the area before Europeans arrived
Linda’s Favorite Exhibits
There were lots of great artifacts. One of my favorites was a dress worn by Lady Byrd Johnson (she was born in nearby Karnack, Texas) during a state visit from a German Chancellor.
However, I found this 200+ year-old loom used by the Johnson Family of Cass County most fascinating.
The loom is a Rocker Beater: Mystery Loom of Appalachia. This type of loom began to appear on the Western frontier after the American Revolution.
What makes it different is that it was operated from a standing position, and was supported by a set of wooden rockers.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
You don’t have to leave Jefferson to find lots to see and do!
We really enjoyed our stop at the Jefferson Old Mill Antiques. Located in a feed mill built in 1910, there are lots of treasures to dig for.
We found many vintage games and toys, as well as china collectibles — and David came home with a Bowker knife, still in its original packaging.
Although we only spent the afternoon, we did stop for an afternoon coffee break to enjoy a wildberry soda at the historic Jefferson General Store.
While you’re there, do take time to visit Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum.
There are 18 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson, many open for visiting. As well, there are 195 state historical markers county-wide.
Who Should Visit Jefferson Historical Museum?
The Jefferson Historical Museum preserves local history and artifacts contributed by community members. So, it’s of particular interest to anyone from this part of Texas, or whose ancestors were from the area.
It’s not a large museum, though, and is distributed over several floors. This may be a challenge for those with mobility issues.
How Do You Visit Jefferson Historical Museum?
The museum is located in the town of Jefferson, Texas, at 223 W. Austin Street.
Get contact information to confirm days and hours on the Web from the Texas Historical Commission.
Get the latest from the Jefferson Historical Society on Facebook.
Start planning your visit to the Jefferson Historical Museum with Google maps.
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