Longview TX is 121 miles east of Dallas. It’s the county seat of Gregg County. Longview is a center for commerce and industry in eastern Gregg and west Harrison counties.
Founded in 1871,the city got its name from the view surveyors had of Rock Hill near the town site. While retaining its roots,the community is looking to the future.
History
Historically,Longview has been the established business center and governmental seat of Gregg County. During the oil boom of the 1930’s the town grew into a major industrial,commercial and transportation hub for East Texas.
Located along the Texas & Pacific railroad,the town developed around two focal points-the downtown depot and Longview Junction. The shortest mule-drawn street railway in the country operated between the two.
The first municipal waterworks and sanitary sewer system were installed in 1904. Gabriel Augustus Bodenheim,known as “Bodie,” served as mayor from 1904 to 1916 and again from 1918 to 1920. During his term as mayor,the city was able to sell city-improvement bonds.
The Mary Lee Robbins Genealogy & Local History Room has many resources for family research including microfilm census records,city directories and cemetery records. The Library also has many books on genealogy and local history. You can contact a librarian to help you with your research.
Arts & Culture
Longview’s history is rich with arts and culture. Local theaters and museums are a great place to learn about the area’s past. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants serving both breakfast and lunch.
The city has a rich industrial heritage that dates back to the 1930’s when cotton farming and cattle ranching were major industries in the region. During this time inventor and entrepreneur R. G. LeTourneau opened a large manufacturing plant for earth moving equipment in the city and later founded LeTourneau Technical Institute which became LeTourneau University.
Large organizations such as the Longview Museum of Fine Art,Chalk Hill Educational Media,Winnsboro Center for the Arts,Michelson Museum of Art and the LeTourneau University Belcher Center earn the majority of revenues among Longview arts,culture and humanities nonprofits. ArtWalk Longview is one of the many events that are held in the community. This is a free,self-guided tour of downtown business venues that feature art exhibits and musicians.
Food & Drink
Longview offers a vibrant business climate with an experienced work-ready workforce,robust infrastructure and abundant resources. The diverse industries of the region are demonstrated by major companies such as Eastman Chemical and Dana Corporation,an automotive manufacturer.
Enjoy mesquite-grilled fajitas and ice cold margaritas at On The Border in Longview. Locals give this restaurant a rating of 4.5 stars and it is a must for anyone visiting Texas.
Pizza King is a nationally known and loved chain. This Longview location has over 270 online reviews and boasts a 4-star rating. They also offer take-n-bake for those who prefer their pizza piping hot.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle passenger rail service stops in downtown Longview every morning and evening,on its route from Chicago to San Antonio. This bustling station serves the residents of Longview,along with those of surrounding cities like Nacogdoches,Lufkin and Houston. SecurCare Self-Storage offers six locations to Longview residents,offering clean and affordable storage.
Shopping & Nightlife
Each Texas town is unique. Poteet is known for strawberries,Mission for citrus and Longview,hot-air balls. A local dentist named Bill Bussey started the annual Great Texas Balloon Race in 1978,which draws visitors from all over the state. You can admire the blimps from ground level,or you can go up in one with Bussey’s company,Balloon Adventures USA.
The city’s downtown area has experienced a boom,with boutique shops like the 504,a six-thousand-square-foot vintage marketplace that brings in new inventory daily. You’ll find everything from Mexican handbags to hardcover books at Melas Clothing Company,and you can fulfill your Downton Abbey fantasies at Walker Manor Bed & Breakfast,a three-story neoclassical mansion.