Category Archives: History

Texas Historical Landmark, Bonham, Bonham TX, Historical Texas Towns, Small Texas Towns, North Texas, James Bonham, Sam Rayburn

Welcome to Bonham, Texas

With a population around 10,000 people, the town of Bonham, Texas can be found 75 miles northeast of Dallas and 12 miles south of Oklahoma. History can be found in this small, north Texas town.

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Bonham is one of the oldest cities in Texas. Settled around 1837, the town was named after James Bonham who fought in the Battle of the Alamo. When the Texas and Pacific Railway came into play, Bonham grew. By 1885, there were multiple churches, public schools and multiple newspapers. Employers included saw and grain mills, an ice plant and the Texas Power and Light Company. During WWII, the US. Army Air Forces maintained a training camp, aviation school and POW camp for captured German soldiers.

Surrounding the courthouse in the town square, statues commemorate the Civil War, Confederacy and the legends of Bonham.

"At the call of his boyhood friend William Barret Travis, he came to Texas in 1835 and engaged in the War for Independence as aide and messenger for Travis. He was faithful unto death at the Alamo March the sixth 1836."

“At the call of his boyhood friend William Barret Travis, he came to Texas in 1835 and engaged in the War for Independence as aide and messenger for Travis. He was faithful unto death at the Alamo March the sixth 1836.”

"To The Confederate Soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a just cause, this monument is lovingly dedicated by the Daughters of the Confederacy, aided by the Confederate Veterans Association of Fanning County." "From 1861 to 1865, they fought for principle, their homes, and those they loved. On Fame's eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, and glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead."

“To The Confederate Soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a just cause, this monument is lovingly dedicated by the Daughters of the Confederacy, aided by the Confederate Veterans Association of Fanning County.”
“From 1861 to 1865, they fought for principle, their homes, and those they loved. On Fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, and glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.”

Another historical figure in this area is Sam Rayburn who was one of the most influential politicians in the 20th century. During his career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Rayburn’s career would bring him to serving under eight Presidents including Lyndon B. Johnson with which he held a close relationship. In 1914, he purchased 121 acres just outside of Bonham where built his family home. Today, it is open for tours.

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Head into town and the Sam Rayburn Library can visibly be seen. It’s a beautiful building that can’t be missed coming into town.

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Bonham shows that Texas history is alive and well.

For more information:
Sam Rayburn House Museum

Granbury Ghost & Legends Tour

#GranburyGhost #VisitGranbury #GhostTour

The weather is becoming cooler and Halloween is just around the corner. Now is the best time to head to Granbury for prime stories, spooks and scares. I was recently invited out to attend the Granbury Ghost & Legends Tour in Granbury, Texas. If you’re looking for a place to get goosebumps, this is it.

Upon arrival, I was situated in the middle of the town square, surrounded by history, folklore and legendary tales. Perhaps you’ve been to Granbury before, or maybe this is a first trip but there’s something for everyone that will leave you surprised and amazed. I was greeted by my guide who took us around town prompting stories and surprises.

#GranburyGhost #VisitGranbury #GhostTour

Although I’ve been to Granbury numerous times, it’s the first time that I really got to listen to some of the amazing history that the walls in the town have to tell.  We visited buildings that I’ve passed by previously and even shopped, private residences and B&B’s that make this town so enchanted.

#GranburyGhost #VisitGranbury #GhostTour

Keep an eye (or an ear) out for Mary Lou Watkins. She died in 2001 however she still checks in from time to time to make sure everything is running smoothly.

History looms forward with tales of Davy Crockett, Bonnie and Clyde, John Wilkes Booth and other outlaws. There’s a lot more to this town than meets the idea.

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We stopped by the jail where we learned about Joe the Indian and other “visitors” that have passed thru the doors over the years.

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The Aston House

The Aston House is a private residence in town however there have been multiple reports of activity within these walls. This home was built for Dolly in 1905 and sources say she has stuck around. There’s also tales of a friendly cat that has stayed (not the one on the front steps, I asked but maybe not entirely convinced). We were told that when we feel a presence we are suppose to say If you mean us harm please leave, if you mean us no harm, please stay. We were told a story about how one day, the occupants at the time heard a knocking sound. They soon repeated the phrase and heard footsteps walking around the house. To find out whether or not the footsteps left or stayed, you’ll have to take the tour!

#GranburyGhost #VisitGranbury #GhostTour

The Gordon House

The Gordon House is an enchantment. Audrey Gordon is the primary resident, a child who died at the age of five. She is a lively and happy spirit that has played with local children who have come for music lessons over the years. If you have any doubts about ghost stories, this is the house that you’ll most look forward to on the tour. It’ll leave you questioning your doubts. It left me with goosebumps.

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John Wilkes Booth went missing for some time after he shot Abraham Lincoln. Funny thing is there was a man who came to town to teach theatre that had many similarities to John Wilkes Booth named John St. Helen. Within the businesses in the town square, we learned more about the similarities between these two men and what became of the assassination of the President, a love story between a cowboy and a lady for the gentlemen and about a faceless little girl who wanders the streets and businesses.
#GranburyGhost #VisitGranbury #GhostTourEven on our tour, I found myself asking questions and couldn’t believe a couple tales that held hidden surprises along the way. It made me wonder just what happened in some of these buildings so long (and not so long) ago and what they leave behind.

If you love the tales of the past that make their way to the present, book yourself a personal tour. The Ghost and Legends Tour also has tour options for a nearby cemetery that holds secrets of its own including General Granbury himself and Jesse James.

Don’t forget to bring your camera – you may find evidence that they’re paying you a visit as well!

Upcoming Events

Bow Wow Trick or Treat – October 25th 12pm-4pm at Shanley Park. $5 per dog – Take your dog through the park trick or treating for doggie goodies. Vendors, costume contest, pet psychic, and photographer (all additional fees). All proceeds will benefit Hood County Animal Lovers Organization (HALO) and Second Chance Farm.

Granbury Paranormal Expo – April 25-26, 2015 – Meet and hear from the youngest survivor of Amityville Horror.

Crazy Water

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

What brought everyone to Mineral Wells? It’s what they call crazy water!

In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. James Lynch drilled a well on their property in Mineral Wells. The water tasted funny but it was harmless, it was actually beneficial. Their ailments slowly started to decrease. It’s also said to have helped alleviate an old woman’s dementia (crazies). Thus we have “crazy water”.

In 1881, another well is drilled with the same water presiding and a growing number of people arriving, ready to buy a glass of this healing water. By 1900, Mineral Wells has visitors traveling from all over the world coming to drink and bathe in the mineral water springs. By 1913, Mineral Wells had over 21 different mineral water companies. Multiple bath houses, wells, sanitariums and numerous hotels. Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral WaterThe mineral water holds many different natural minerals including zinc, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silica to name a few. No mineral can be added to mineral water. With the minerals being in the drinking water, it allows the minerals to be absorbed into the body easier. Allowing folks to stay hydrated and recover faster. (If Mike Modano loves mineral water, it must be great!)

Throughout the years, mineral water is proclaimed to have many health benefits. Although business and the number of open wells has decreased (only two wells are currently open), mineral water can still be found today at one of the original pavilions – Mr. Dismuke’s Famous Pavilion.

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Step on inside, to hear a bit of history, see products and photographs from the prosperous days when mineral water was first introduced and sample some of the mineral water for yourself.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

In case you’re curious, the water tastes a little thicker than normal water and silky. There’s definitely a different taste but it’s not bad. There’s also different levels of the mineral water with hold various mineral contents (and taste).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Have you ever had or heard of the crazy water?

Crazy Water
209 N. W. 6th Street
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
Tel: (940) 325-8870