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.

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.

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.

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.

Behold the majestic Franklin County Courthouse as it stood proudly in 1939, an enduring symbol of Mount Vernon's rich heritage. The classic revival white limestone structure, built in 1912, has been a cornerstone of the downtown area, serving as the seat of justice for generations. With its stately presence and district courtroom that rivals early Texas movie sets, the courthouse continues to hold significant historical value. As the American flag and the Lone Star flag wave in the breeze, this iconic landmark remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Franklin County.

The Thruston House, erected circa 1868, holds its ground with captivating connections to Henry Clay Thruston, the Confederate giant of both stature and legend. This charming 2-story dog-trot dwelling embodies the essence of 19th-century Southern architecture, revealing secrets of ingenious cooling methods amidst sultry summers. Thanks to generous patrons, the restoration effort breathes life into Mt. Vernon's intriguing past, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in a compelling chapter of American heritage.

Built around 1868, the Thruston House stands proud on its original site, with intriguing ties to Henry Clay Thruston, a towering figure both in height and Confederate history. This 2-story dog-trot house, embracing the 19th-century Southern architecture, witnessed the sweltering summers and ingenious cooling techniques of the era. Its restoration, fueled by generous donors, preserves the legacy of Mt. Vernon's past, drawing visitors into an enthralling chapter of American heritage.

Step back in time to 1939 and witness the grandeur of Franklin County Courthouse, an enduring icon in downtown Mount Vernon. This classic revival limestone structure, built in 1912, has been the heart of the community for generations, hosting historic trials and serving as home to county offices. As the American flag and the Lone Star flag flutter in the breeze, immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless charm of this cherished landmark.

In this distant photograph of the Franklin County Courthouse, the majestic white building stands tall with its strong round pillars, exuding timeless charm. The surrounding streets are dotted with cars, and the pleasant weather adds to the overall serenity. Amidst the scene, a traffic signal hangs in the air, capturing the essence of this peaceful neighborhood.

Photograph of an artifact on display, inside of a glass case, at a museum in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of information center employees giving a tour around the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a group of children listening to someone explain how ancient arrows were built in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children exiting a replica of a structure on display inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children interacting with a display inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a group of children listening to someone explain how ancient arrows were built in the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of information center employees giving a tour around the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The photo is taken from behind the group as they walk around the area. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children watching a clarinet player performing inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of information center employees putting on a puppet show inside of the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. Children watching the performance sit in the foreground. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children watching a clarinet player performing inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of children watching a clarinet player performing inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas. The photo is taken from above the visitors.

Photograph of a child watching a clarinet player performing inside of the information center at the Caddo Mounds, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a fishing in a pond at the Caddo Mounds historical cite, located in Alton, Texas. The photo is taken from far enough away to encompass the trees and pond surrounding the fisher. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a flower lying on the ground in the Caddo Mounds historical cite, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.

Photograph of a flower lying in a pond at the Caddo Mounds historical cite, located in Alton, Texas. The cite features two earthwork platform mounds and one burial mound. The Caddo created the cite, circa 800 A.D., to be a cultural, economical and political epicenter for region that lasted for approximately 500 years. At their peak, the Caddo were the most highly developed prehistoric culture known within present day Texas.