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EXPLORING ANGELINA COUNTY

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Just as the Hasinai Indian girl named Angelina extended a “hand of friendship and welcome” to Spanish explorers in 1690, we welcome you to Angelina County, located in the heart of the East Texas Pineywoods.

The Spanish Franciscan priests, who established the early Indian missions, found a strong ally in the young Indian girl that they named Angelina or “Little Angel.” Eventually her village became known as Angelina’s village and the stream where it was located became Angelina’s river. In 1693 she traveled to Mexico with the Spanish priests and then returned to East Texas where she kept the spark of Christianity alive for her Spanish Fathers. Angelina also served as an interpreter for early French explorers. The Marquis de Aquayo noted in his journal of 1721 that Angelina stood with the other village tribal chieftains and wielded considerable influence as well as directing much of the tribal functions. Spain’s “Little Angel” probably died several years later and is thought to be buried in the vicinity of Mission Conception near the Angelina River. Angelina stitched her life into the whole fabric of East Texas. Her name is given to a river, a village, a National Forest, and to our county.

(Excerpted from They Left No Monuments by Bob Bowman)

For accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage everyone to visit the official county website.

“The future of every community lies in capturing the passion, imagination, and resources of its people.

ERNESTO SIROLLI

EXPLORE
the cities within Angelina County

CITY OF LUFKIN

Situated in the Texas Forest Country, Lufkin surprises all ages. Despite its proximity to major cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco, Lufkin maintains a peaceful and quaint atmosphere while serving as a regional hub for retail shopping, medical facilities, industry, and government. With a population nearing 40,000, the city offers superior bass fishing, top-notch golf courses, state-of-the-art museums, an outstanding zoo, charming downtown, and friendly locals. Notable attractions include two acclaimed golf courses, the expansive Lake Sam Rayburn for bass fishing and water activities, and unique museums like the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, the Texas Forestry Museum and the Museum of East Texas.

Lufkin also boasts Ellen Trout Park & Zoo, Downtown Lufkin with its historic walking tour and murals, and the scenic backdrop of national forests for outdoor enthusiasts. The city provides ample parks, recreational facilities, and is an ideal location for regional or state meetings with quality and affordable hotels. The Angelina County Exposition Center and Pitser Garrison Convention Center offer excellent facilities for various events, drawing visitors from across the nation. Additionally, Lufkin hosts annual tourism events like the SpringFest, Neches River Rendezvous, Texas State Forest Festival, and the Lighting of Rudolph, showcasing the vibrant community spirit. Explore the city's diverse offerings on VisitLufkin.com or find more information on the City of Lufkin website at CityofLufkin.com.

CITY OF DIBOLL

Diboll combines small-town warmth with big-town amenities, conveniently located on U.S. Route 59 (soon to be Interstate 69). With a population of around 5,000, the community offers beautiful buildings, great neighborhoods, and expansive parks. Old Orchard Park spans 66 acres, featuring baseball fields, pavilions, courts for various sports, walking trails, a splash pad, playgrounds, and a pond with a pier. Adjacent to the park is the Neches Pines Golf Course, offering a challenging 18 holes in a picturesque setting.

Diboll takes pride in its award-winning T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library and the History Center, providing elegant meeting spaces. The Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, with a 2,900 sq. ft. stage, hosts arts and entertainment events. Annual festivals like Diboll Day and the Quince Festival draw crowds with a month of activities and Tex-Mex delights in Old Orchard Park.

The city fosters a developer-friendly environment, witnessing growth with businesses Woodland Heights Primary Care. Over 300 acres have been annexed for upcoming commercial and residential development. Diboll ISD serves approximately 1,900 students across five campuses, emphasizing performance, purpose, and pride. The Lumberjacks and Lady Jacks excel in various sports, creating a vibrant community spirit. For more information, visit CityofDiboll.com.

Diboll
Hudson

CITY OF HUDSON

City of Hudson residents define their community through shared values rather than mere map boundaries. Hudson takes pride in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle, deeply rooted in cultural history, environmental preservation, and a progressive approach to local businesses. The city's commitment to its school system and strong community spirit make it a special place for its residents.

Life in Hudson is a harmonious blend of preserving local history and embracing the present. The community seamlessly integrates agriculture, industry, history, civic activities, and recreation, providing a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. Hudson stands out as an ideal place for families to thrive and businesses to grow.

The Hudson Independent School District plays a central role in Hudson's dedication to quality education. With a mission to create lifelong learners through comprehensive opportunities, the district strives to shape the future for the community's children. Hudson ISD envisions a partnership with the community, offering a stable, safe, and caring hometown learning environment focused on achieving educational excellence.

For information, visitors can explore the City of Hudson website at HudsonTX.com.

CITY OF HUNTINGTON

Huntington is known as the "Gateway to Lake Sam Rayburn," offering excellent fishing and water sports. Founded in the 1880s, the city has grown steadily since its incorporation in 1938. With a population exceeding 2300, Huntington is just eight miles from Lufkin, making it a convenient hub for residents working in nearby businesses. The city welcomes small and medium-sized enterprises, with a growing number of new houses and ongoing construction.

Huntington's community spirit is evident in its local newspaper, The Huntington Herald, and the McMullen Memorial Library, providing free learning opportunities. The highly successful school district excels in both academic and athletic programs, fostering a supportive environment for students to achieve success. The community's genuine concern for one another is reflected in neighborly assistance during emergencies and everyday challenges.

In Huntington, you'll find a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, and enjoy retirement. For more information on Huntington, visit CityofHuntington.org.

Huntington
Sam Rayborn

CITY OF ZAVALLA

Zavalla, originally Zavalla Prairie, is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 63, twenty-five miles southeast of Lufkin, TX. Established in 1900, the community was named after the impresario grant made to Lorenzo de Zavala. In 1975, Zavalla was incorporated due to population growth associated with Sam Rayburn Lake.

Serving as the gateway to Sam Rayburn Lake's recreational areas, Zavalla features Cassels Boykin Park with boat ramps, fishing spots, swimming areas, and camping facilities. The city park, spread across 5 acres, offers a pavilion for events. Nearby attractions include Boykin Springs Recreational Park, Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, and the Lufkin Zoo & Museum.

Zavalla is home to diverse local businesses, from arts and crafts to quaint cafes. For more information, visit CityofZavalla.com.

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