Mineola, Texas, Wood County. (original) (raw)
32�39'10.4"N 95�28'49.1"W (32.652881, -95.480296)
At the intersection of Hwy 69, 80 & 37
80 miles E of Dallas on Hwy 80
10 miles S of Quitman the county seat
27 miles NW of Tyler
25 miles NE of Canton
ZIP Code 75773
Area code 903
Population: 4,823 (2020)
4,515 (2010) 4550 (2000) 4,321 (1990)
Book Hotel Here › Mineola Hotels
The restored depot in Mineola
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, July 2007
Historical Marker:
Mineola
Since its establishment in 1873, the community of Mineola has been tied historically to the railroad and transportation industries. The Texas & Pacific Railroad planned to connect Longview and Dallas by rail, and began building west in 1872. Meanwhile, the Houston & Great Northern Railroad built northward from Troup. Several communities developed near anticipated depot sites, though they declined when the two railroads joined. The site was named Mineola; various stories recount the naming of the new settlement.
Additional rail lines soon connected to Mineola, which experienced impressive growth. The rail brought new residents, including a number of immigrant families, and made Mineola a shipping center for agricultural Wood County. The growth sparked the establishment of various institutions, including a newspaper, the Mineola Monitor; churches, beginning with St. Paul�s Baptist Church in 1871; a city cemetery, founded in 1873; a school system started in 1875 and becoming public in 1881; and First National Bank, which organized in 1898. An 1888 fire destroyed 18 buildings downtown, but the community quickly recovered.
In the early 20th century, transportation continued to affect Mineola, as the federal government built U.S. Highway 80 through the town. In 1929, the Texas 7 Pacific terminal in Longview relocated to Mineola; many families resettled here, sparking population and commercial growth. The railroads continued to be vital to the community until they declined in the 1950s.
In 1996, Amtrak revived passenger service to Mineola, restoring the town�s bond with rail. Today, Mineola continues to be a leading community in Wood County and east Texas.
(2008)
Mineola, Texas
Attractions, Landmarks & Events
If you haven't heard of Mineola, you will. Things are not only getting done, but getting done right. Major renovations of residences and hotels, are letting visitors see what life was like in this Northeast Texas Railroad town.
Antiquing is a major draw, with over 20 antique shops. An active library, a 38 acre Civic Center complex (with 224 RV spaces), and a Museum of Railroad Memorabilia are additional attractions.
Events are evenly spaced throughout the year, with Spring and Fall being host to scenic nature drives. Check out the Dogwood & Azalea Trails in Spring, the Railroad Heritage Festival the 3rd weekend in October, and the Christmas Winter Wonderland in December.
Geographically it's central to any place in N.E. Texas, so include it in your itinerary and we're sure you'll return for a closer investigation.
Book Hotel Here › Mineola Hotels
Select Theatre
The last remaining movie house in Wood County. Weekend movies and performances by The Lake Country Playhouse insure that the 70 year old business stays an active part of the community.
St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mineola
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
More Texas Churches
Mineola City Hall, 1940s
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
"Hello from MINEOLA, TEXAS"
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
"Greetings from MINEOLA, TEXAS"
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/
Nearby Destinations
Mineola, known as "Gateway to the Lake Country", is within 2 to 15 miles of Lake Holbrook, Lake Hawkins with campground and RV facilities, and Lake Fork Reservoir. Mineola Country Club has one of the best 9-hole golf courses in Texas.
Take Hwy 80 West 14 miles to Grand Saline, then take FM17 SW 11 miles to Canton
Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.