Learn More About Chapel Hill, Texas
Chapel Hill is a small town in East Texas, located just outside of Tyler and Kilgore in Smith County. The population of Chapel Hill only stands at around 1,000 people, but despite its small size it is known in the state of Texas as the “Rose Capital of Texas”.
As the town namesake implies, Chapel Hill was founded around a chapel. On the site of the original chapel, built in 1854, a new, larger chapel was constructed in 1890s. The chapel served not only as a spiritual house, but also as a community gathering place for years, so much so that at one time the town was known as Chapel Hill Valley before the name settled on “Chapel Hill.”
Chapel Hill is most famous for its rose farms, which have earned the town the title of “Rose Capital of Texas.” There are more than 20 rose farms in the area that supply some of the most beautiful varieties of roses in the nation. The roses have been providing blooms since the earliest settlers in the area, and today they are renowned across the state and beyond. The town holds an annual Rose Festival every October to celebrate their rich rose farming history.
Besides being a rose paradise, Chapel Hill also has a few other attractions that visitors can explore. The historic downtown square and courthouse provide a great place to explore the antique shops and stores, while nearby Tyler State Park offers great camping, fishing, and boating options year-round. For those looking to get a bite to eat, there is a variety of eateries around town that offer delicious, home-cooked meals.
Chapel Hill is a great place to visit and explore. Its rich rose farming history, diverse attractions, and friendly atmosphere all make it a unique and inviting destination for any traveler.