Now Accepting Input for This Destination!

Use the left menu to submit listings, photos & travel tips.

Athens, Texas is the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” and a prosperous retirement community.

Athens TX History

The earliest settlers in Athens were E. J. Thompson and Joab McManus, who arrived in 1850. The Texas Legislature established the town later in 1850 on one square mile of land donated by Matthew Cartwright. The city first incorporated in 1856, though a mischievous prank by several citizens abolished the incorporation. Athens reincorporated in 1901.

Home of the First Hamburger & "French" Fries

Athens was the home of Fletcher Davis, the inventor of the Hamburger, which he served at his Athens lunch counter in the late 1880’s. The sandwich was the classic greasy hamburger served with home-baked bread garnished with mustard mixed with mayonnaise, a big slice of onion, and sliced cucumber pickles. Davis took his sandwich to the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis where he had a popular food booth. When a reporter asked about the fried potatoes served with thick tomato sauce, Mr. Davis told him that the sandwich was his idea but he learned to cook the potatoes that way from a friend who lived in Paris, Texas. The reporter thought he said Paris, France, so the 1904 New York Tribune story said the sandwich was served with french fried potatoes.

Athens Texas – A Texas Certified Retirement Community

Today, Athens is a Texas Certified Retirement Community surrounded by a number of lakes that make it a paradise for boaters and fishermen. Seniors enjoy the temperate climate, natural beauty and charm of Athens.