Jefferson (Texas)

Jefferson  is a historic town in Marion County, in the Central Piney Woods of east Texas. A center of tourism, Jefferson identifies itself as the "Bed & Breakfast Capital of Texas", and is home to a number of popular attractions.

Understand
Founded in the mid-19th century as a riverport, Jefferson boomed as the furthest point inland that steamboats could reach in Texas. But the rise of the railroads and the draining of the bayous left Jefferson literally and figuratively high and dry. The town all but froze in time after the loss of its economic base, allowing for a beautifully preserved historical district. Walking through the brick-paved commercial streets and the Greek Revival residences is like going back in time to the 1880s.

Get in
U.S. Route 59 passes through Jefferson.

The nearest Amtrak and Greyhound connections are in Marshall, about 15 miles south.

Tours
A prime attraction in Jefferson, catering to a range of interests and energy-levels, whether on foot or by rail, boat, or horse-drawn carriage.

Bed and breakfasts
Befitting its monicker as B&B Capital of Texas, there are more than 20 converted homes in and around Jefferson.