Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites Inside the museum

It is the only park in the state with three museums: the Stinson Home, where Governor Hogg's wedding was held; the Honeymoon Cottage, which was the first home of Governor and Sallie Hogg (Sarah Ann Leannah Stinson); and Miss Ima Hogg Museum houses the park headquarters offices, as well as displays representative of the history of the entire northeast Texas area (some displays change every month).

Named for James Stephen Hogg, the state's first Texas-born governor from 1891 to 1895, the park includes museums housing items which belonged to the Hogg and Stinson families. The Governor James Stephen Hogg Memorial Shrine was created in 1941. The Stinson Home was built in 1869 and was moved 13 miles to its present location in 1969. The structure contains 95 - 97% of the original lumber. The Old George Bridge was first put to use in the early 1900s and was moved to the park in 1986. The bridge is a pony truss, steel bridge, which is no longer used by bridge builders.

Attractions - Attractions to the State Park are based around the site's historical significance. They include three museums with optional guided tours. Additionally there is a group picnic ground and a 1/2 mile interpretive trail.

Tours are available during office hours Monday through Sunday for individuals or groups. Arrangements for special group tours may be made by contacting the park. Fees are charged.

Facilities include the three museums; group picnic sites; two group picnic pavilions (one also referred to as the tabernacle); restrooms without showers; a snack bar within 1 mile; a playground; and a 1/2-mile nature/interpretive trail (Old Settlers Nature Trail), a brochure for interpretation, and a turn-of-the-century iron bridge. Recently 13 trailer sites (30/50 amp service) were added with water, electricity, sewer, and cable TV. Call 903/763-0405 for reservations. Reservations are required for picnic sites. For reservations for the picnic pavilions or tour information, contact the City of Quitman at 903/763-4045. Wildlife which can be seen and/or photographed include white-tailed deer, armadillos, birds, and squirrels.

Nearby attractions include the Tyler and Lake Bob Sandlin State Parks, and Lake Fork. For more details, call the City of Quitman.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities offered by the Governor Hogg Shrine Historical Park include guided historical tours, group picnicking and a nature trail.

Climate - Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park is located at elevations ranging from 167 to 552 feet. Temperatures within the park range from a January average temperature of 46.2 degrees to a July average temperature of 85.9 degrees. The first/last freeze are November 20/March. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Governor Hogg Shrine State Historical Park is situated within the Pineywoods area of Texas. To reach the park, take US Highway 69 north from Tyler to Mineola; then go north on State Highway 37 for about 8 miles to Quitman. The park is off State Highway 37 about 6 blocks south of the Wood County Courthouse.