The Graham brothers, Gustavous and Edwin Smith, purchased land in north central Texas in 1869 and established a salt works on Salt Creek. The town of Graham TX was surveyed with wide streets for wagons and lots large enough to accommodate families.
The town’s spacious square still houses shops and restaurants. Visitors can work up an appetite climbing Standpipe “Mountain” or chowing down at the one-day Food Truck Championship of Texas in early June.
There are many things to do in Graham
Graham offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, shopping, or the outdoors. Visit Fort Belknap, where John Wayne’s movies such as Lonesome Dove were filmed. Shop for western wear at the Old Post Office Museum & Art Center. Attend a concert in the Graham Concert Association Series.
The pristine North Texas countryside offers endless opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The area is renowned for exceptional dove, quail and wild turkey hunting. Deer leases are also available.
Lake Graham and Lake Eddleman, located just a few minutes north of Graham, offer a great setting for fishing and water sports. They also have public boat ramps and camping areas. Afterwards, enjoy a bowling game or first-run movie at the Graham Drive-In Theatre.
The Biggest Downtown Square in the U.S.
At one mile in circumference, Graham’s historic downtown square is the biggest in America. The streets are built wide enough for a wagon to make a U-turn, so shoppers can leisurely stroll past boutique clothing stores, antique shops and the old post office-turned museum and art center.
Graham is the county seat of Young County, a quaint North Texas town nestled among lush tree-covered hills about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth. Graham is a popular tourist destination thanks to its unique historic sites, restaurants, and museums. Its three nearby lakes also offer a variety of relaxing and nature-loving activities. In this frontier city, the spirit and legend of the Goodnight-Loving Trail is still alive.
Historic Sites & Museums
You’re in the largest courthouse-square in America when you enter Graham’s Town Square. It encircles the Young County Courthouse and City Hall, plus a lone archway from an 1884 courthouse (the only remnant of that structure). The Young County Veterans Memorial is also located on the square. It’s a seven-foot red granite star engraved with the names 157 local men, women, and children who have died in service to their country since World War I. Also, the Old Post Office Museum & Art Center are both located there.
The museum displays clothing, weapons, and other items from the period. A 1930 Seagrave fire truck is also on display and oil paintings by Kaye Franklin hang throughout the building, which served as Graham’s main post office from 1936 to 1992. Then, climb Standpipe “Mountain” for views over the town, or catch a movie at the National Theatre, which opened in 1919.
Lakes & Outdoor Adventures
Escape life’s busy schedule and embrace what truly matters in Graham’s pristine North Texas Hill Country. The town’s parks and lakes offer endless outdoor activities, whether you’re looking to fish or visit the historic movie theaters.
Lake Graham and Lake Eddleman offer a variety of water activities, including public boat ramps and camping areas. The waters of these two lakes are renowned for exceptional fishing, including channel catfish, white crappie, hybrid striped bass and largemouth black bass.
The Young County area is known nationally for exceptional hunting, and Graham welcomes hunters year-round. The fall brings doves and quail, while the spring brings deer and wild turkeys in abundance. Year-round varmint hunting includes coyotes, bobcats and wild hogs.
The Graham Drive-In Theatre
This drive-in is perfect for those who want to enjoy the simple pleasures in life while spending time outside watching movies. They offer current movie releases and concessions. It’s a little bit of a trek for those outside of Graham but well worth it.
The Graham Drive-In Theater, a single-screen drive in theater that opened in 1948 is one of the oldest remaining drive-ins in Texas. It offers a nostalgic experience under the stars, according to its website.