Introduction to Gladewater, Texas
Gladewater, Texas, in Gregg county, is 12 miles W of Longview, Texas (center to center) and 109 miles E of Dallas, Texas. Gladewater is part of the surrounding Longview - Marshall metro area.
Gladewater History
Gladewater was established in 1873 when the Texas and Pacific Railway Company purchased land from Jarrett Dean and Anderson White. Residents of St Clair and Point Pleasant moved to town because of the railway link. It is said that the city is named after the nearby Glade Creek. Gladewater was incorporated in 1874. The discovery of oil resulted in a boom in the 1930s and 40s, and a council-mayor form of government was adopted in 1955. Lumbering, manufacturing, and agriculture have remained the mainstay of the city's economy.
Gladewater and Nearby Attractions
- Longview Museum of Fine Arts
- Tyler State Park
- Caldwell Zoo
- Starr Family Home State Historic Site
- Jefferson Railway Depot
Things To Do In Gladewater
Gov. Hogg Shrine Historic Site, which can be accessed from Gladewater, was named in honor of the first Texas-born governor of the state, James Stephen Hogg. The site has three museums. Exhibits related to arming, oil, railroads, schools, and timber are displayed at the Gregg County Historical Museum. Steam train rides may be enjoyed at the nearby Jefferson Railway Depot. The 287-acre Martin Creek Lake State Park offers water skiing, picnicking, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. Daingerfield State Park, and Lake Bob Sandlin State Park are also close to Gladewater.
Gladewater Transportation
Air transportation is available from Shreveport Regional Airport.
Gladewater Higher Education
Kilgore College, LeTourneau University, and University of Texas at Tyler are located close to Gladewater.