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Mount Vernon History and Attractions
The town of Mount Vernon grew up as a settlement near the Fanning Springs (Holbrook Street south of the preasent town square). Affidavits filed to establish land titles soon after the Texas Revolution document the settlement by squatters in Spanish Texas commencing in 1818. By 1848 the United States government established a post office; in 1849 a formal town site was laid out on land donated by Stephen and Rebecca Keith.
Since there were two other Mount Vernon's in Texas the post office was called Keith and then Lone Star before the name Mount Vernon became available in 1875. Franklin County was carved out of Titus County in 1875. Scriveners were sent to transcribe land records relating to the county land titles in both Red River County ( parent county until 1846 ) and Titus County. With the 1895 destruction of the Titus County courthouse, the Franklin County record became very important. Franklin County today has complete land titles and other records dating to the Texas Revolution.
The county's economy has been based in mixed agriculture, commencing with cotton farms, followed with over 500,000 peach trees in production in the 1920's; watermelons in the 1930's; and the state's top record production of cane syrup in the 1940's. The 1936 discovery of oil on C. G. Hughes land in the north part of the county led to diversified economy with oil production continuing today combined with light industry, manufacturing, and diverse agricultural endeavors.
Over 60 homes built before World War I are marked with attractive signs designating the original owners and year of construction. The downtown area reflects a small-town atmosphere. The central plaza has a picturesque gazebo and park benches. On the north side of the square is a classical revival white limestone 1912 courthouse with a clock tower. Mapped and marked for year round use are trails for bicycling, hiking, as well as a Bluebird Trail, Indian Heritage Trail, and equestrian trail. Check with the historical association offices at 701 S. Kaufman st.' 903-3537-4760 for trail maps; and with the Chamber of commerce at 109 S. Kaufman 903-537-4365 for information on accommodations, dining facilities and events.
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Points of Interest