Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site - Quitman, Texas

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Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site - Quitman, Texas

Northwest of Tyler in Quitman in Wood County sites this shrine on 26.7 acres of land.  The park was opened in 1950 and now is managed by the City of Quitman. The park was named after James Stephen Hogg, the state’s first Texas born governor who was in office from 1891 to 1895.  The museums on the site have items which belonged to the Hogg and Stinson families. 

The Stinson home was constructed in 1869 and moved to his location (13 miles) in 1969.  Even with the move the structure still contains 95 to 97% of the original lumber.  In addition to the Stinson home being moved to the park the Old George Bridge was moved in 1986.  This bridge was first used in the early 1900;s.  The bridge is a pony truss, steel bridge.  This type is no longer used by bridge builders today.

This is an unusual park since it has three museums located in it.  There is the Stinson HOme, where Governor Hogg’s wedding was held; the Honeymoon Cottage where the Governor and Sallie Hogg first lived and Miss Ema Hogg Museum which serves as the park headquarters offices as well as having displays representing the history of the entire northeast Texas area.  Some of these displays change every month.

The park offers picnic areas and two group picnic pavilions, restrooms without showers, a snack bar within an easy walking distance of 1 mile.  There is a playground for the children and a 1/2 mile nature/interpretive trail called "Old Settlers Nature Trail.) Nature Trail has 23 stops and four foot bridges along a half-mile trail.  Not too long ago they added 13 trailer sites with 30/50 amp service with water, electricity, sewer and cable TV.  If you want stay there you need to call in advance for reservations at 903-763-0405.  Reservations are also needed for the group picnic sites for which you need to call the city of Quitman at 903-763-4045.

Open: 7 days a week year around except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. 

Office hours: Monday and Saturday 10 to 4 and Sunday 1 - 5.

Directions: Take US Hwy 69 north from Tyler to Mineola; then go north on State Highway 37 for about 8 miles to Quitman.  The park is off State Highway 37 about 6 blocks south of the Wood County Courthouse.