A short drive north on U.S. Highway 96 from Beaumont will bring you to Jasper County, an area rich in pine forests, rolling hills and beautiful lakes. One of the original 23 Texas counties, Jasper has a deep history of early pioneers forging independence in a new land. That same independence can be felt in the Jasper County of today in the form of industry, agriculture and civic pride.
As you travel north through the communities of Evadale, Buna and Kirbyville, you will experience large lush green pastures with cattle grazing bordered by the great pine forests that cover most of Jasper County. You will find hiking and biking trails that wind through the woods, several of which lead down to the Neches and Angelina Rivers that flow through Jasper County, feeding the land and bringing you back to a time when steamboats traveled north bringing settlers and goods, while logs floated south to the many mills that flourished, providing the wood used to literally build much of Texas.
While in the city of Jasper, you cannot help but notice the courthouse, built in 1889, and still serving the citizens as the government hub to this day, its bell tower standing tall among businesses and shops in the turn-of-the-century buildings that form the Courthouse Square. On the Square you can experience the annual Azalea Festivals, Rodeo Parades, and an array of events that take place year-round. A night’s stay in Jasper might be in one of the many modern hotels, or at one of Jasper’s quaint bed and breakfasts that truly bring you back to an era long forgotten.
If fishing and water sports are on your vacation agenda, you will find two large lakes to keep you busy. Lake B.A. Steinhagen lies to the west along U.S. 190, and a trip further north along U.S. 96 is worth your while to visit Lake Sam Rayburn, the largest lake in Texas that does not border another state. Due to the climate, Lake Sam Rayburn offers the opportunity for fishing recreation and tournaments literally year-round, accompanied by plentiful boat launches, camping areas, hiking trails, restaurants and hotels.
Whatever your preference, Jasper County has it. History buffs can spend weeks visiting the many historical home sites, mills, buildings and cemeteries that hold clues to a Texas that was young and filled with pioneering spirit. Hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen can find activities year-round, and those that simply love country life may never want to leave. Jasper County invites you to visit our thriving community and experience life Southeast Texas style; if you like it, feel free to kick your feet up and stay a while. County Judge Mark Allen