Introduction to Tyler, Texas
Tyler is located in Smith County in East Texas. Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of America" due to being one of the largest providers of rose bushes in the country and it's also one of the largest producers in the world. The city features one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the nation. The Texas Rose Festival typically attracts more than 100,000 people. Tyler also serves as the primary medical center for East Texas.
History
The original inhabitants of the region were the Caddo Indians. Smith County was established in 1846 by the Texas legislature and became the center of county government. They named it Tyler in tribute to President John Tyler was was an avid proponent for the annexation of the state of Texas. The city was incorporated in 1850. Agriculture was the primary factor for the economy during the 19th Century with cotton being a notable product. During the Civil War, the largest prison camp west of the Mississippi River was located near Tyler and was filled with Union soldiers. The arrival of the Tyler Tap Railroad in 1877 provided significant economic growth by transporting the city's agricultural crops and goods to other areas.
Attractions
- Municipal Rose Garden is a notable attraction which features more than 500 varieties of rose bushes
- Charnwood Residential Historic District is included in the National Register of Historic Places
- Azalea Residential Historic District
- Caldwell Zoo
- Rose Museum
- Goodman Museum features noteworthy collections of artifacts
- Brookshires World of Wildlife
- Carnegie History Center
- The Bergfeld Park area features attractive mansions and historic houses
- Tyler Museum of Art
- Hunall Planetarium
- Camp Ford was formerly a large prison camp, holding Union soldiers
- Myrtle-Vale, Colonel John Dewberry's home is one of the most noteworthy homes built before the Civil War that is still standing in East Texas
- UT Tyler Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center
Events and Activities
The city hosts the world famous Tyler Rose Festival and the Tyler Azalea Trail. The Tyler Heritage on Tour showcases historic homes and offers carriage rides. Tyler State Park is a prominent recreational area created out of a pine forest. It provides opportunities for swimming, hiking, bicycle riding, canoeing, fishing, camping and picnicking. Lake Palestine and Lake Tyler are in the region as well as numerous quality golf courses. Tyler Skateplex has one of the largest skating floors in the nation.
Higher Education
The city is home to the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College.