There are tons of historic small towns in Texas, but Jefferson just might be the most special of them all. Nestled way out east in the Piney Woods, this pre-Civil War settlement features nearly 100 historic buildings. Many of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Here’s why you should visit this charming town.

Perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Texas, Jefferson is a charming, pre-Civil War small town tucked away in the eastern part of the state.
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Piney Woods, this hidden gem has nearly 100 historical landmarks - many of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A large portion of the town's historic buildings are homes; Victorian-style mansions passed down over generations of local families.
Facebook/Visit Jefferson Texas
Many of the homes are open to the public for tours, so you can get an in-depth look at how the earliest residents of Jefferson lived. The tour is especially magical at Christmastime, as the homes are decked out in their holiday finest, and participants walk the streets by candlelight.
Built in the 1860s, the Jefferson General Store is another must-see landmark.
Jefferson General Store, 113 E Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
It was originally a hardware store, but evolved into a five-and-dime offering anything one could possibly need. A visit to the store is like stepping back in time, as the shelves are stocked with nostalgic candies and toys, five-cent coffee, and other old-fashioned items. Learn more here.

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A trip to Jefferson isn't complete without visiting the historic Carnegie Library.
Jefferson Carnegie Library, 301 W Lafayette St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Roberto Galan / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
Gifted by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library dates to 1907 and still remains a cornerstone of the town. Learn more at the library website.
History buffs will also love the Jefferson Historical Society Museum, located in a restored 1888 Federal Court House and U.S. Post Office building.
Jefferson Historical Museum, 223 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary
The museum features four floors of exhibits detailing the history of the region, ranging from Civil War artifacts to Caddo Indian relics to information about how the railroad and steamboat industries helped put Jefferson on the map. Learn more here.
There's so much to see and do in Jefferson, you'll likely want to extend your visit beyond just one day.
The Excelsior House Hotel, 211 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
Rest your head for the night at the Excelsior House Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas. Having hosted such famous figures as Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, Steven Spielberg, and more, the boutique hotel features 15 guest rooms that offer a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Plus, it's rumored to be haunted! Learn more here.

Have you ever visited Jefferson? Are there any other historic small towns in Texas worth a visit? Granbury is one of our favorites. Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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Jefferson, TX 75657, USA