Category Archives: Travel

Welcome to Cooper, Texas

Driving down Texas roads, there’s really no telling where one might end up. You could come across a big ole city like Dallas, Austin or San Antonio or there’s hundreds of little towns in between (like Cooper). Some will say, all the small towns look alike. I beg to differ. Each has their unique traits whether it be a crazy looking old house on the corner, a killer high school football stadium that is what “Friday Night Lights” is all about or it could be the population of three.

Small towns are one of the things that I love about Texas. Finding the court houses and seeing how each is different, the faded paint on the side of brick buildings, town squares, small Mom and Pop stores, antiques or just an old building to take a photo of. Some towns are so small it takes a couple minutes to find the “center of town”, its kind of funny when you think about it.

With that said, here is a little town called Cooper. I loved stopping in this town for its buildings. The craziest part was when I got home that night, I happened to have the TV on and 60 Minutes came on and told a story about the Warrior Dog Foundation in, you guessed it, Cooper, Texas. Established by a Navy SEAL, the Warrior Dog Foundation trains K-9’s which gives back to the Navy SEAL’s and the special operations community. (Read more on their website.) I wish I had known that before getting home.

Located an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Dallas, directly north of Sulphur Springs (off Hwy 30) is Cooper. Here’s a glimpse of my favorite shots while passing thru.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, Cooper is an agricultural town. Situated in Delta County, Cooper was established in 1870 by L.W. Cooper of Houston. By 1885, the town was alive and well (with it’s own Post Office). With the coming of the Texas Midland Railroad, the population jumped to 1,000 people by 1896 including a bank, shoemaker, hotel, numerous mills and two weekly papers (among other establishments). Fast forward nearly 100 years to 1970 – over sixty businesses including seed cleaning plants and multiple dairies. This is an agricultural town. 2013 population: 1,977

Have you ever been / passed thru Cooper? What’s your favorite small town?

Historical Information retrieved from the Texas State Historical Association

Welcome to Bonham, Texas

3 Replies

With a population around 10,000 people, the town of Bonham, Texas can be found 75 miles northeast of Dallas and 12 miles south of Oklahoma. History can be found in this small, north Texas town.

Bonham is one of the oldest cities in Texas. Settled around 1837, the town was named after James Bonham who fought in the Battle of the Alamo. When the Texas and Pacific Railway came into play, Bonham grew. By 1885, there were multiple churches, public schools and multiple newspapers. Employers included saw and grain mills, an ice plant and the Texas Power and Light Company. During WWII, the US. Army Air Forces maintained a training camp, aviation school and POW camp for captured German soldiers.

Surrounding the courthouse in the town square, statues commemorate the Civil War, Confederacy and the legends of Bonham.

“At the call of his boyhood friend William Barret Travis, he came to Texas in 1835 and engaged in the War for Independence as aide and messenger for Travis. He was faithful unto death at the Alamo March the sixth 1836.”

“To The Confederate Soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a just cause, this monument is lovingly dedicated by the Daughters of the Confederacy, aided by the Confederate Veterans Association of Fanning County.”
“From 1861 to 1865, they fought for principle, their homes, and those they loved. On Fame’s eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread, and glory guards, with solemn round, the bivouac of the dead.”

Another historical figure in this area is Sam Rayburn who was one of the most influential politicians in the 20th century. During his career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Rayburn’s career would bring him to serving under eight Presidents including Lyndon B. Johnson with which he held a close relationship. In 1914, he purchased 121 acres just outside of Bonham where built his family home. Today, it is open for tours.

Head into town and the Sam Rayburn Library can visibly be seen. It’s a beautiful building that can’t be missed coming into town.

Bonham shows that Texas history is alive and well.

For more information:
Sam Rayburn House Museum

Rahr Oktoberfest 5k (and Discount Code)!

Discount Code: ‘DHT’ to save $5 on registration.

To help us all get into a better beer drinking and running shape, two social runs are also scheduled at the brewery – Saturday, August 1st and Saturday, September 5th. Check out the Rahr Oktoberfest 5k event page on Facebook (see the events tab) for more information!

Who is going to join me?!