Most people would assume that the largest cities in any state would have the most historic buildings simply because of their size. While that makes complete and utter sense, we don’t like playing by the rules here in Texas. Waxahachie, a town of about 30,000, has over 80 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places – that’s more than anywhere else in the Lone Star State, including even Houston! That fact is incredible enough without even taking a look at the incredible architecture, so you’ll be even more blown away when you see some of these Waxahachie historic homes:
Buildings of all shapes and sizes are on the Register, but this is undeniably one of the most grandiose. Inspired by Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the Ellis County Courthouse was built in 1897. The red sandstone comes from right here in Texas!
Flickr/texasbackroads
The vast majority of the listings are homes, like the J.M. Alderdice House pictured above. Some are Victorian, others Gothic Revival, but all are incredibly unique and have complex stories and character you just don’t see these days.
Wikipedia
West End is one of six Historic Districts in the city. Some are commercial while others are residential; their common ground being the incredible old-fashioned buildings and homes contained within them.
Wikimedia Commons
Waxahachie has some amazing churches, as well. This is Central Presbyterian, which was constructed in 1917, and Saint Paul’s Episcopal was built all the way back in 1885. Worshiping in these timeless structures is a truly unforgettable experience.
Wikipedia
The Ferris School is just one of several educational facilities in the town on the National Register. All that’s missing from this one-room schoolhouse is a bell.
Wikipedia
Some buildings are ghosts of their former selves, their legacy living on only because of their place on the list. Known simply as “Building at 441 East Main,” nobody knows for sure what existed here - but it’ll be preserved until the elements destroy it.
Wikipedia
This now-abandoned shopping center harbors memories of friends stopping in for a snack after school and children beaming with excitement as they place a candy bar on the counter. Luckily, those precious moments don’t have to be forgotten since no hungry businessman will ever be able to open up shop here.
Wikipedia
Believe it or not, this tiny, dilapidated shack used to be the Waxahachie Lumber Company. Who knows? Maybe some of the products that were made here are still in circulation today.
Wikipedia
The Chautauqua Auditorium was built in 1902 and has served as the city’s performance hall ever since. It seats 2500 and has hosted people as notable as William Jennings Bryan and Will Rogers as well as the Fort Worth Symphony and a long list of country music singers.
Wikipedia
Waxahachie might not be one of the most populous cities in the state, but it’s undeniably one of the most historic. Take a trip back to the 18th century as you stroll through the town square and admire all the incredible architecture.
Wikimedia Commons
What a tour of the Waxahachie historic homes! Have you ever seen any of these buildings in person? What other cities in Texas have lots of historic buildings? Let us know your favorites!
Flickr/texasbackroads
Wikipedia
Wikimedia Commons
Wikipedia
If you’re more of an outdoors person than a history buff, check out our Nature Lovers group on Facebook for breathtaking photos of Texas taken by local photographers.
Looking for more historic towns in Texas to explore? This small town is a perfect historic day trip in Texas!
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Address: Waxahachie, TX, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Historic Town In Texas November 17, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other historic towns in Texas for day trips? Texas is an immensely big state with an immensely BIG history, and some of the smallest towns make for the best historic day trip adventures:
Johnson City: Home to the 36th president of the United States, great restaurants, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, this tiny blip on the map is so worth visiting. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, located in nearby Stonewall, features nature trails, historic cabins, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and a Visitors Center showcasing memorabilia from President Johnson’s time in office. Across the Pedernales River, you’ll find Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which the iconic LBJ Ranch is part of. Johnson continued to live on the ranch throughout his adult life and political career, and the home he shared with his wife, Lady Bird, became known as the “Texas White House,” making it a must-visit for all TX history buffs. Kemah: Kemah is a family-friendly destination with a boardwalk that features tons of rides and games, a quaint town square brimming with shops and restaurants, and a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle. It’s one of the best day trips in Texas you can possibly take! Kemah is best-known for its signature boardwalk, featuring rides and games galore. For shop-til-you-drop types, historic Kemah Lighthouse District, nestled in the center of the city, is where you’ll find an array of charming shops and restaurants. Brenham: With a population of just over 17,000, Brenham sits smack dab between Austin and Houston, making it a prime destination for families in need of a getaway. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy small town, where you’ll meet some of the friendliest and most welcoming people around. Kick off your time in Brenham at Fireman’s Park, the home of the Flying Horses Carousel. Climb aboard the merry-go-round for an old-fashioned ride, a treasured town tradition! In terms of points of interest, Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Creameries, and you’re in for a delightfully delicious treat when you stop by the ice cream shop!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Historic Town In Texas
November 17, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other historic towns in Texas for day trips? Texas is an immensely big state with an immensely BIG history, and some of the smallest towns make for the best historic day trip adventures:
Johnson City: Home to the 36th president of the United States, great restaurants, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, this tiny blip on the map is so worth visiting. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, located in nearby Stonewall, features nature trails, historic cabins, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and a Visitors Center showcasing memorabilia from President Johnson’s time in office. Across the Pedernales River, you’ll find Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which the iconic LBJ Ranch is part of. Johnson continued to live on the ranch throughout his adult life and political career, and the home he shared with his wife, Lady Bird, became known as the “Texas White House,” making it a must-visit for all TX history buffs. Kemah: Kemah is a family-friendly destination with a boardwalk that features tons of rides and games, a quaint town square brimming with shops and restaurants, and a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle. It’s one of the best day trips in Texas you can possibly take! Kemah is best-known for its signature boardwalk, featuring rides and games galore. For shop-til-you-drop types, historic Kemah Lighthouse District, nestled in the center of the city, is where you’ll find an array of charming shops and restaurants. Brenham: With a population of just over 17,000, Brenham sits smack dab between Austin and Houston, making it a prime destination for families in need of a getaway. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy small town, where you’ll meet some of the friendliest and most welcoming people around. Kick off your time in Brenham at Fireman’s Park, the home of the Flying Horses Carousel. Climb aboard the merry-go-round for an old-fashioned ride, a treasured town tradition! In terms of points of interest, Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Creameries, and you’re in for a delightfully delicious treat when you stop by the ice cream shop!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Texas is an immensely big state with an immensely BIG history, and some of the smallest towns make for the best historic day trip adventures:
- Johnson City: Home to the 36th president of the United States, great restaurants, and awe-inspiring natural wonders, this tiny blip on the map is so worth visiting. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, located in nearby Stonewall, features nature trails, historic cabins, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and a Visitors Center showcasing memorabilia from President Johnson’s time in office. Across the Pedernales River, you’ll find Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, which the iconic LBJ Ranch is part of. Johnson continued to live on the ranch throughout his adult life and political career, and the home he shared with his wife, Lady Bird, became known as the “Texas White House,” making it a must-visit for all TX history buffs.
- Kemah: Kemah is a family-friendly destination with a boardwalk that features tons of rides and games, a quaint town square brimming with shops and restaurants, and a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle. It’s one of the best day trips in Texas you can possibly take! Kemah is best-known for its signature boardwalk, featuring rides and games galore. For shop-til-you-drop types, historic Kemah Lighthouse District, nestled in the center of the city, is where you’ll find an array of charming shops and restaurants.
- Brenham: With a population of just over 17,000, Brenham sits smack dab between Austin and Houston, making it a prime destination for families in need of a getaway. You’ll feel right at home in the cozy small town, where you’ll meet some of the friendliest and most welcoming people around. Kick off your time in Brenham at Fireman’s Park, the home of the Flying Horses Carousel. Climb aboard the merry-go-round for an old-fashioned ride, a treasured town tradition! In terms of points of interest, Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Creameries, and you’re in for a delightfully delicious treat when you stop by the ice cream shop!
