Region: Gulf Coast
"The Museum Capital of Texas." Settlement began when early French and Spanish trappers and explorers established trading post in early 1800s. Beaumont dates from 1824 when it was known as Tevis Bluff after Noah and Nancy Tevis — the first settlers. In 1835, Henry Millard and partners bought the Tevis' property for a planned town. Beaumont was the maiden name of Millard's wife. The First Congress of the Republic of Texas granted a charter in 1838, and Beaumont was designated as the seat for Jefferson County. City came of age in 1901 with world's largest producing oil gusher at Spindletop; village became city of 30,000 within a month. Today, an industrial giant, major port and agricultural center. Home of Lamar Univ.
Today, Beaumont rocks... and zydecos, too! A unique combination of two colorful cultures, the town's Texas heritage and bayou roots, make for what Cajuns call "lagniappe," which means a little something extra.
South Texas State Fair draws more than 600,000 visitors annually in early October and features FFA and 4-H livestock, a livestock auction, live entertainment, exhibits and carnival. Also in October, city celebrates Rockin' Beaumont Blues Festival. www.beaumontblues.com.
Ford Park, on the western edge of the city, is an entertainment complex that includes an arena, exhibit hall, fairground, RV park, softball complex and the largest amphitheater in Texas. 409/951-5400. Julie Rogers Theatre hosts presentations by the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Civic Opera, the Beaumont Civic Ballet and the Beaumont Ballet Theatre. 765 Pearl St. 409/838-3435, 800/782-3081.
The St. Anthony Cathedral at 700 Jefferson Dr. is modeled after St. Paul's Basilica in Rome. Construction began soon after the 1901 oil boom. For appointment, call 409/833-6433.