Corsicana is one of those towns where it’s easy to take the route around it and bypass it, or just as easy to keep on Highway 31 as it turns into 7th Street, and go right into it and come out the other side without much effort or confusion. We highly suggest going on into it and enjoying the small town known for a few of its innovations and some people who have called it home.
- Pioneer Village & Lefty Frizzell Museum (912 W. Park Ave.)
Sitting on the edge of a city park is a fascinating display of what life was like in Navarro County, beginning around 1838. Old buildings are set up to show how they were furnished in the 1800s, with artifacts that some of us remember our grandparents using. One very interesting and educational display was about the progression of the various Confederate flags, facts that we had never seen or heard before. One of our favorite “displays”, however, is a “dog-trot” or “dog run” style house, something that we had never heard of in the Pacific Northwest. Built with the kitchen on one side and living quarters on the other, with an open area breezeway in between where cooler air could rush through, it just fascinated us. We loved its character and simplicity as well. On a hot day, it truly was cooler in that breezeway.
The Lefty Frizzell Museum is small but excellent. The displays of his memorabilia and stories of his life and the other famous musicians he played with, were entertaining and poignant. You can see why Corsicana is proud of him.
2. Bronze Tour (all around town)
By now you have probably realized we love bronze statues and trying to find as many as we can when we know a town has them. The craftsmanship shown in each one is always stunning, and the little stories that go along with them teaches us the history of the area. While we didn’t try to check off each one on this trip, we did see that at least one had a QR code to a link to hear the story of the man represented. That aspect was different than any we’ve seen in other towns so far.
3. Petroleum Park – The “Birthplace of the Texas Oil Industry” (418 S. 12 St.)
This one is rather easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. A side street off the main drag (Seventh St/Highway 31) through town, you would probably never turn down the street unless you were looking for this small park as the road just looks like it goes to an old industrial area. But do stop and see it. It’s a small tribute to Corsicana being the home of the first commercial oilfield.
4. Pearce Museum (3100 W. Collin Street)
Though right off the highway through town, the Pearce Museum on the Navarro College campus is a massive hidden treasure. The collection of Civil War letters and documents and displays is phenomenal, and the Western Art Gallery holds some of the most stunning oil paintings we’ve ever seen. They honestly looked like they were photographs instead of paintings, the details were so vibrant. A “Hunter-Gathers of the Blackland Prairie” exhibit is also impressive with a great collection of arrowheads. The building includes a Planetarium which we didn’t get to see on this visit but we will go back and check it out.
5. Historic Downtown
We love the character of historic downtown areas, walking around looking at details, and then doing what we can to support the small businesses. We look for small, usually unnoticed details leftover from a bygone era. Here, we saw symbols with numbers on them. After we stopped by the Visitor Center at 301 S. Beaton Street, we learned that those signs were part of an old walking tour that had been discontinued. But with our visit, they started talking about possibly resurrecting it. (You really should pop into the Visitor Center, they are a wealth of information and very nice ladies.)
Don’t forget to look for the typical Texas historic markers. Stop and read as many as you can. They are a great way to learn the history and values of an area, from well-known events to citizens who simply had a strong hand in making the town what it is today. Also, did you know Wolf Chili had its start in Corsicana? Look for the large can with a dog on top in the historic downtown.
Three Bonus Tips:
Eat at Across the Street Diner – Right next to that can of Wolf Chili, the little restaurant has its own unique history and old-time décor. They say they have one of the oldest soda fountains in Texas. It felt warm and welcoming, especially thanks to the waitresses who were a lot of fun. The food was definitely worth the visit! (125 N Beaton St.)
Drive by the historic courthouse – Never miss a chance to go off the main road, through the older part of Texas towns to find the architecturally stunning courthouses. The details and “personality” of each building make it special to that town. On the way, watch for the beautiful old homes that show off the beautiful architecture of years gone by. (300 W Third Ave.)
In case you didn’t know, Collin Street Bakery, home of their famous fruitcake, started right here in Corsicana in 1896! You can stop in for some sweet treats at the main location downtown at 401 W. 7thSt.
Corsicana is a sweet town with a powerful history and warm, welcoming people. We encourage you to visit it any time of the year!
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