Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site
(Operated by the City of Quitman)
101 Governor Hogg Pkwy
Quitman TX 75783
903/763-4045
This site is no longer a part of the State Park system.
History: Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site is a 26.7-acre tract in Wood County, northwest of Tyler. Original acreage was deeded by the Wood County Old Settlers Reunion Association in 1946; additional acres were a gift from Miss Ima Hogg in 1970; and earlier some acreage was purchased. The park was opened in 1950. It is now managed by the City of Quitman.
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.
Activities: 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).
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.
Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Tyler State Park, Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, and Lake Fork.
Facilities: 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.
Flora/Fauna: Wildlife which can be seen and/or photographed include white-tailed deer, armadillos, birds, and squirrels.
Elevation: Elevation ranges
from 167 to 552 feet.
Weather: January average is 46.2, July average is 85.9.
First/last freeze: November 20/March.
Schedule: The park grounds are open 7 days a week year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Office hours for Museum tours: Monday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Directions: 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.