Crockett, Texas is famous for being where Davy Crockett stopped to camp on his way to fight at the Alamo.
It is the county seat of Houston County, the first county in Texas. It is also one of the oldest towns in Texas and was incorporated in 1837 during the Republic of Texas.
Crockett, Texas is named after Davy Crockett who died fighting at the Alamo. Many streets in Texas are also named after him as is the famous Crockett Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The county is named after Sam Houston who was the first president of the Republic of Texas and in office at the time of the creation of Houston County. The city of Houston, Texas is also named after him.
If you are planning a trip or making a hotel reservation, double check that you have not mistakenly confused your location with one of the other similarly named places.
Location
Crockett, Texas is located in the Piney Woods in East Texas. It is two hours north of Houston. It is often referred to as being the “Paradise in the Pines.”
Crockett is located on the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. This was a historic trade route that connected Texas and Louisiana to Mexico City as the territories were being colonized by the Spaniards. As people travelled along the route it became an important exchange for information and cultures throughout the area.
What to do
Courthouse Square
620 E. Houston Avenue, Crockett, TX 75835
Crockett, Texas is the county seat of Houston County, Texas. Houston County is the oldest county in the state.
The current Houston County Courthouse building was constructed in 1938 in the Art Moderne style of architecture with Art Deco features. The building was funded by the Public Works Administration as part of the New Deal and the building replaced a former Victorian era courthouse building.
The courthouse is in the center of the historic downtown and which has a traditional Texas courthouse square. There are a lot of great shops and cafes in the area surrounding the courthouse.
Houston County Museum
401 E Goliad Ave, Crockett, TX 75835
The Houston County Museum is located in the old train depot for Crockett, Texas. The depot was built in 1909 for the International – Great Northern Railroad.
Unfortunately like many museums in small towns, it has limited hours and is only open seasonally. They are open April – November on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM – 3 PM.
The David Crockett Spring
100 E Goliad Ave, Crockett, TX 75835
The David Crockett Spring is located a short distance from the Houston County Museum. It is where Davy Crockett camped on his way to the Alamo. At the spring there is also a mural.
There is a small parking area at the spring.
Camp Street
Camp street is the same as South Third Street and just a small walk from the courthouse. The area is known for its musical heritage. There is a sculpture of Sam “Lightnin” Hopkins, a mural, and also the Camp Street Cafe.
Camp Street Cafe and Store
215 S 3rd St, Crockett, TX 75835
The Camp Street Cafe is a famous location for listening to live music.
Antiquing and Shopping
There are a number of different antique shops along the courthouse square.
Stories of Texas
501 E Goliad Ave, Crockett, TX 75835
One particularly interesting store along the square is called Stories of Texas. They have a variety of different antiques, art, and new items to check out.
Historic Homes
Crockett, Texas is the fifth oldest town in Texas. As you explore the town you will find a number of different historic homes. The best known is the Downes – Aldrich House.
Downes – Aldrich House
206 N. 7th Street, Crockett, Texas 75835
Where to Stay
Hotels
There are a few hotels in Crockett, Texas. You can stay at the Holiday Inn Express or the Frontier Lodge.
Vacation Rentals
Crockett is a good place to look for a vacation rental if you are planning to stay for a long weekend. You can find relaxing cabins out in the pines, or historic buildings near the town square.
What’s Nearby
Mission Tejas State Park
9343 State Hwy 21 E, Grapeland, TX 75844
Mission Tejas State Park is located about twenty miles away in Grapeland, Texas. The park has campsites, hiking trails, and a recreation of a historic mission.
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
1649 TX-21, Alto, TX 75925
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site is about thirty miles from Crockett. It is a historical site that was very important to the Caddo people who lived in the area. There is an information center and a recreation of a home.
Salmon Lake Park
247 Salmon Lake Rd, Grapeland, TX 75844
Salmon Lake Park is a private campground on the shores of Salmon Lake. They have music festivals and are on a lake.