Learn More About Hawkins, Texas
Hawkins, Texas is an unincorporated community situated in the center of Wood County, at the junction of U.S. Highway 80 and State Highway 14. Located about 180 miles east of Dallas, Hawkins serves as the county seat of Wood County and is part of the Longview Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The development of Hawkins began in the early 1850s as a concentration of several small communities around the historically significant East Texas town of Quitman. In 1870 a post office was established, and in 1883 Hawkins was designated as the county seat. Hawkins was initially centered on the agricultural sector, with many farmers living in the town and within a short distance. However, the town’s economic base has since diversified substantially, due to increasing demand for the gas, oil and chemical industries. Today, Hawkins is home to a variety of businesses, including retail outlets, automotive parts, and petrochemical plants.
Besides commerce, Hawkins is also home to a variety of historic sites and museums, including the Twelfth Street Historic District, the Wood County Historical Society, and the Quitman Mineral Museum. The main draw for tourists to Hawkins is the hiking and biking trails, which offer excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The town also boasts a number of parks and recreational facilities, such as the Wood Sports Complex and the Hawkins Public Swimming Pool.
For those seeking a quiet, rural community to settle down or vacation in, Hawkins, Texas is the ideal place. Not only is the town situated in beautiful East Texas, but it is also home to a lively commercial community, and rich historical and cultural heritage. With a warm, friendly atmosphere and all the amenities of a modern city, it is no surprise that Hawkins has become an increasingly popular spot to live and visit.