North and east Texas
Early immigration into north and east Texas , during the
days of the Republic and following the devastation of the Civil
War, was largely from the Southern states. In the 1930s, the
northeastern oil fields near Tyler (a drab town only
redeemed by its beautiful rose gardens) proved to be the richest
ever found in the US. In addition to oil, agriculture has become a
prime source of commerce, with logging important in the densely
forested east. The grand exception is, of course, the
Metroplex - the area which includes Dallas and
Fort Worth . The main tourist attractions and cultural life
of the region are concentrated here; but if you enjoy exploring
small-town America, and have a car, the north and east can yield
more subtle pleasures. The national forests of Angelina,
Davy Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston in the east offer unsurpassed
opportunities for outdoor living: the forest supervisor (tel
713/632-4446) in Lufkin, midway between Davy Crockett and Angelina
on US-59, has details of free and private camping
facilities. Fans of the movie will want to check out Paris,
Texas , northeast on US-82.
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