Huntsville, Texas is Walker County's major cultural and economic hub, as well as the county seat. Situated in the East Texas Piney Woods Region, Huntsville, TX is a city of 35,078, according to the 2000 Census. Ideally located only 60 miles north of the bright lights and bustle of Houston, Huntsville offers a slower pace of life, surrounded by the beauty of the Sam Houston National Forest, while still within an easy drive to the city. Huntsville lies along the Interstate 45 corridor, which runs between Houston and Dallas, TX.
Huntsville, TX was a treasured place to famous Texan General Sam Houston, the 1st and 3rd President of the Republic of Texas, during the 1830’s and later serving as the state Governor. Two of Houston’s homes remain in Huntsville, along with the Sam Houston Museum and a 66-foot statue of him, the largest statue of a folk hero in the nation. Huntsville, TX is home to the Sam Houston State University, an important factor in the city’s economy. Another important local employer is the Texas State Prison System, which operates numerous prison farms throughout Walker County. Huntsville, Texas houses the headquarters for the system, as well as the execution chamber for the state, located in the historic downtown prison. Famous country singer Merle Haggard refers to Huntsville prison in his album “Someday We’ll Look Back”. Huntsville, Texas was the film setting for the Life of David Gale, which explores the abolition of the death penalty.
Huntsville, Texas celebrates in a number of annual events, including the Walker County Fair, the Sam Houston Folk Festival and the Fair on the Square. Huntsville, TX is home to a number of fine attractions, three museums, and scenic driving tours which lead to the stunning natural beauty surrounding the city. The Blue Lagoon offers scuba diving in an old rock quarry, and the Huntsville State Park rivals the larger National Forest in providing the best in recreation.
