Preserve America Community:
Farmersville, Texas
Farmersville (population 3,118) was first settled in 1845, and its name reflects the importance of agriculture to the community's growth. By the 1930s, Farmersville was known as the "Onion Capital of North Texas."
As part of its Main Street Program, the city recently restored its historic Onion Shed (1935) as an amenity in City Park. Once used to process and store onions, the structure is now a focal point for a range of public and private events and community festivals.
One such festival is Audie Murphy Day, which celebrates the accomplishments of the one-time Farmersville resident who was the most decorated combat soldier of World War II and a well-known actor.
To promote tourism to Farmersville, the city participates in the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Lakes Trail heritage tourism initiative. One tourist destination is the Bain-Honaker House (1865), which is maintained by the Farmersville Historical Society.
The society has developed a program for local fifth-grade students where each child spends one day at the museum dressed in period costume and living the day as if transported back in time to 1900.
For more information
City of Farmersville: www.farmersvilletx.com
Posted November 22, 2004