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Mineola, Texas is the “Birding Capital of East Texas” and a charming vacation community that is very popular with seniors.

Mineola TX History

Mineola was established in the 1840's near an artesian well used by traders. Before 1873, the area was called Sodom. The town came into existence when the railroads built lines through this part of the state. In 1873, the Texas and Pacific and the International-Great Northern Railroad raced to see which could get to Mineola first. The I-GN reached the finish fifteen minutes ahead.

The town government was organized in 1873, a post office opened in 1875, and the town incorporated in 1877. Some say that Major Ira H. Evans, an I-GN official who laid out the townsite, named the town for his daughter, Ola, and a friend, Minnie Patten. While these two girls did exist, it is more likely that he named the city after his hometown of Mineola, New York.

Texas Governor Jim Hogg lived in Mineola when his daughter Ima Hogg was born here in 1882. The house where she was born still stands, designated with an historical marker.

Mineola Texas – Senior Vacations in the Piney Woods

Today, several historic homes and hotels built in the heyday of the railroads have been renovated as charming bed and breakfast inns and unique retail locations. Situated among more than 20 antique stores are specialty shops and craft malls. Mineola, Texas is a cultural mecca for all types of artists and musicians and is a popular destination for seniors who appreciate the town’s warm, relaxing atmosphere.