Introduction to Silsbee, Texas
Silsbee, Texas, in Hardin county, is 18 miles N of Beaumont, Texas (center to center) and 81 miles NE of Houston, Texas . The city is in the Beaumont - Port Arthur metropolitan area.
Silsbee History
This area was settled when the Gulf, Beaumont and Kansas City Railway arrived in 1894. John Henry Kirby, who was responsible for building the railroad, also built a logging camp and sawmill in the area. The new community was initially named Mill Town, but was later renamed Silsbee after Kirby's partner Nathan D. Silsbee. The Kirby Lumber Company was the primary source of employment for the residents. Following the discovery of an oilfield in 1936, and along with its prospering timber business and other agricultural resources, Silsbee experienced substantial economic growth.
Silsbee and Nearby Attractions
- Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum
- W.H. Stark House
- Ice House Museum
- Armand Bayou Nature Center
- Kirby Hill House
Things To Do In Silsbee
The Armand Bayou Nature Center has activities like bird watching, hiking and animal displays. Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is dedicated to the famous athlete. Big Thicket National Preserve or Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary is among the most famous biologically diverse regions in the world. Other attractions include the Ice House Museum and W.H. Stark House, which is the former home of industrialist William Henry Stark.
Silsbee Transportation
Air transportation is available from Southeast Texas Regional Airport.
Silsbee Higher Education
Lamar State College - Orange, Lamar State College - Port Arthur and Lamar University are some of the colleges near Silsbee.
