Wood County Stories

Nice Guys Finish First: Bobby Irwin, East Texas’ Rising Star

By Brynna Williamson

15,000 people scream and chant his name as a young figure saunters up on stage in a ball cap and jeans. He doesn’t make eye contact with the crowd, but unconcernedly going about his business, plugs in his electric guitar and strums a few practice chords. Finally, the figure turns to the mic and lifts his eyes to the crowd with a cockeyed grin.

Marking History in Wood County

By Brynna Williamson

We’ve all seen them: The small, unassuming signs lining the edge of highways, city streets, and even some country roads. “Historical marker this way.” “Historical marker ahead.” “Historical marker: This building was the site of… (insert any one of hundreds of famous Texas events).”

Texas’ Best-Kept Secret

By Brynna Williamson

3,000 acres, 64 clubs and groups, 60 employees, 50 years, 5 separate lakes… and a partridge in a pear tree?

East Texas’ very own Holly Lake Ranch, a gated community boasting around 4,000 people, is the second-largest community in the Wood County area.

Sissy Spacek and the Humanness That We All Share

By Christophe Trahan, Executive Director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission

The clock struck midnight and Christmas Day, 1949 began. As eager children in Quitman, Texas were doing their best to stay awake and possibly catch a glimpse of Old Saint Nick, a star was being born—a child that would prove in her lifetime to be vivacious, unearthly in her talent, and unequivocally down-to-earth as she navigated an illustrious career in the American entertainment industry.

Historic Homes of Wood County

By Brynna Williamson

Wood County is home to a number of truly beautiful and unique historical residences. Each of these East Texas beauties has an exceptional story behind it, guaranteed to bring you right back to the “good old days!” With their fascinating histories and breathtaking properties, these Wood County homes are definitely worth a visit.