Vibrant festivities unfold in Mount Vernon as the community commemorates the Bankhead Highway Centennial. This historic highway, once named "The Broadway of America," is deeply intertwined with the town's identity, serving as its Main Street. Amongst the revelry, a captivating mural depicting the towering silhouette of Henry Clay Thruston adds to the charm, while jubilant locals don playful costumes, celebrating their rich heritage with joy and pride.

Step back in time on the Original Texas Road Trip along the historic Bankhead Highway in Mount Vernon. Follow County Road 2025, a picturesque dirt trail enveloped by a lush tree canopy, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era. Join the Bankhead Highway Centennial Vintage Car Tour, where classic cars traverse the scenic landscape, offering a delightful journey into the past.

Series of educational panels containing images related to the Bankhead Highway with corresponding facts and trivia questions.

Photograph of the text on a historic marker about Bankhead Highway, America's first transcontinental highway, which spans from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, California and passes through Texas. This image was taken in Mount Vernon, Texas, where Bankhead Highway serves as Main Street.

Research about Bankhead Highway compiled for an article that was published in the October 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Draft of an article about Bankhead Highway that was published in the October 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Step into the Old Fire Station Museum and be transported to a bygone era as you encounter a poignant exhibit featuring a mannequin of a little boy proudly donning a military hat. This 1940 WPA-financed firestation houses an array of captivating permanent and rotating displays, including the renowned Don Meredith Memorabilia Exhibit, generously donated by the celebrated former Dallas Cowboy Quarterback himself. Explore cherished items like Monday Night Football Sports Jacket, Ring of Honor, and Cowboy Football Jersey, among other fascinating family photographs and career memorabilia. Located on South Kaufman Street in Mount Vernon, this museum offers a heartwarming glimpse into the nostalgia of the past.

Document containing an educational panel for Bankhead Highway, titled, "No More Horsing Around by 1928," with a historic photograph and a related fact and trivia question. Each part of the panel has been labeled (clockwise from top left): Large humorous title, short narrative, historic photo, Bankhead sign, question, fun graphic, QR code, and "trompe l'oeil" frame.

Draft of an article about Bankhead Highway that was published in the October 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Annotated draft of a sidebar about adaptive reuse in Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Brochure for the Bankhead Highway Film Festival in Mount Vernon, Texas from June 25-26, 2015.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting embrace of Dupree Park Nature Center, a 57-acre oasis boasting winding primitive trails beneath a lush canopy of greenery. Discover a paradise for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, guided by 65 signposts unveiling the secrets of flora and fauna. Unwind at the pavilion, perfect for reunions and celebrations, in this serene haven where tranquility finds its home.

The Old Fire Station Museum, housed in a historic 1940 WPA-financed fire station, offers a captivating journey through time. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, with a special highlight on the Don Meredith Memorabilia Exhibit, showcasing cherished items from the legendary Dallas Cowboy Quarterback and Mount Vernon native. Donated by Meredith himself, this collection includes a Monday Night Football Sports Jacket, Ring of Honor memorabilia, family photographs, and even a Cowboy Football Jersey. Discover the rich history of Mount Vernon at this fascinating museum located on South Kaufman Street.

Immerse yourself in the industrial past as the museum proudly displays heavy steel equipment that once shaped history. As you admire the rugged machinery, a striking pack of Pringe Albert cigarettes serves as a poignant artifact, revealing the fascinating connections between industry and culture. Discover how these artifacts intertwine, painting a vivid picture of bygone eras and their significance in shaping the world we know today.

Unveil the captivating allure of automotive history as the Old Fire Station Museum proudly showcases an exquisite collection of bonnet ornaments. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and timeless elegance of these automotive symbols, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the golden age of classic cars. Step into a world of grace and sophistication, where these gleaming ornaments whisper stories of cherished heritage and automotive artistry.

Step back in time and explore the quaint streets of Mount Vernon, Texas, where echoes of the past resonate in every corner. The captivating photograph showcases ML Edwards & Co, a historic general store and private event venue that has been a cherished part of the community since its establishment in 1900. With its rich heritage, ornate architecture, and a captivating blend of retail, café, and event space, the building stands as a proud testament to Mount Vernon's enduring legacy. As the town embraces its history while evolving with the times, visitors are welcomed to bask in the nostalgic charm and warm hospitality that define this small East Texas gem.

Experience the timeless charm and elegance of automotive history as the Old Fire Station Museum proudly showcases a mesmerizing collection of bonnet ornaments. These captivating symbols of automotive craftsmanship, artfully displayed in the museum's hallowed halls, pay tribute to the bygone era of classic cars and their exquisite embellishments. Discover the artistry and intricacy behind each bonnet ornament, a testament to the allure of vintage automobiles and the preservation of cherished heritage. Step into this captivating exhibition and let the grace of these bonnet ornaments transport you back in time to a world of sophistication and beauty.

Script for an audio recording about Bankhead Highway, one of America's first transcontinental highways.

Discover Mount Vernon's culinary heritage at The Cake Lady Bakery Cafe, where you'll savor down-home country favorites like chicken-fried steaks and homemade hamburgers on house-baked buns. Owned by Donna Manincor, known as the "Cake Lady," this cozy spot offers an assortment of delectable fruit pies, nut pies, and tall iced cakes, along with weekend treats like giant cinnamon rolls. Enjoy the warmth of wooden furniture and the friendly ambiance as you indulge in homemade goodness.

In this heartwarming photograph, a father guides his two curious children through the captivating bird exhibit room at the Old Fire Station Museum. Nestled in a 1940 WPA-financed firestation, this museum offers a blend of permanent and changing exhibits, including the renowned Don Meredith Memorabilia Exhibit. As they learn about the birds and immerse themselves in the displays, the family discovers a treasure trove of history and culture in Mount Vernon's beloved museum on South Kaufman Street.

Step into a vintage postcard as County Road 2025, just outside Mount Vernon, takes you on a captivating journey through history. The Bankhead Highway, the first southern transcontinental driving route, once graced this enchanting path, enticing travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure. Amidst lush green trees and picturesque gardens, the Bankhead Highway Centennial Vintage Car Tour revives the spirit of the past, inviting you to join the celebration and create timeless memories along this legendary Texas road trip.

The Franklin County Courthouse in downtown Mount Vernon is a majestic white building with strong round pillars, radiating elegance and grandeur. Surrounded by lush trees, it presents a harmonious blend of architectural splendor and natural beauty. Built in 1912, this classic revival structure has witnessed generations of local history, hosting trials and preserving the region's legacy. As a symbol of justice and unity, it stands tall, embodying the strength and resilience of the community it serves.

In this heartwarming photograph, Donna Manincor, the owner of The Cake Lady Bakery Cafe, stands proudly alongside her daughter, both beaming with joy as they showcase their delightful creations of delectable cakes and chocolate desserts. The charming ambiance of the cafe, with wooden furniture and elegantly draped tables, adds to the warmth of the moment, inviting visitors to savor the rich culinary heritage of Mount Vernon in every delicious bite.

Text for a sidebar about adaptive reuse in Mount Vernon, Texas that was published in the November 2015 issue of Texas Highways magazine.