| Page Views: 1,884 Last Visit to Waxahachie: December, 2007 I Visit Here Frequently | Charming Waxahachie by VeronicaG - last update: Feb 18, 2008 |
Antiques And A Touch Of The Victorian UPDATE: This December, we traveled to Waxahachie for it's Annual Candlelight House Tour AND to see Bethlehem Revisited. Both events were wonderful additions to our Christmas season. Please see my CUSTOMS and RESTAURANTS for these new tips. A travelogue gives you a peek at the homes we toured.
The small town of Waxahachie is a mere 51 miles from where I live and is located in the Prairies and Lakes district of Texas. The hour's drive took us past a string of towns along the way: Arlington, Mansfield, Midlothian, Ennis, Sardis...
Our outing began on the freeway, taking us along stretches of empty fields, where the smoke stacks of distant factories loomed on the horizon and numerous transmission towers paraded along the landscape.
We witnessed muted colors of orange, gold and rust in the Autumn foliage; occasionally, seeing patches of forest accented with red. Outside Midlothian, as we zoomed along US 287 S. we noticed a tall Grandfather tree flourishing along the roadside; its girth protectively encircled by railroad ties.
Soon a sign reading, "WAXAHACHIE, population 21,200" appeared. A few miles ahead of us, the town awaited--ready to present its treasures: lovely restored Victorian homes and antique stores full of wonderful things!
A Thumbnail Sketch of History
Waxahachie lies within Ellis County and is named after Richard Ellis, President of the Texas Declaration of Independence Convention. The first settlers arrived in early 1844, most making their homes in south central Ellis County. The Tonkawa Indians inhabited this area, but were able to peacefully coexist with the settlers.
According to town history, railroads first came to the county in the 1870's. The railroads provided a means of transporting goods in and out of the area, as well as opening a window to the world for the townspeople. Cotton became a very successful crop and is still grown in some parts of the county today.
As the wealth of the town grew, fanciful cottages were constructed. Many of these homes have been lovingly restored and are open for viewing each June during the annual house tour.
Waxahachie is proud to have been the site of such films as Places in the Heart, Tender Mercies, Trip to Bountiful and On Valentine's Day, plus many others. |
|  | The Renaissance Faire What could be more fun that having an opportunity to step back in time to experience the Renaissance? You can do that each Spring at The Renaissance Faire.
Lords and Ladies gather for court dances, welcome royalty and interact with the underlings in period costumes and character roles.
For a taste of the Medieval, you might want to stop by. |
| | Bethlehem Revisted! Bethlehem Revisited depicts this Biblical town on the night of Jesus' birth and is complete with Kings, Roman soldiers, shepherds, sheep and even camels.
Visitors easily get caught up in this drama, which is presented on the first two weekends in December. You can follow in the tracks of Mary and Joseph to a stable on that awesome night.
Costumed characters add to the drama, which was wonderful! |
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VeronicaG's Waxahachie Travel Tips
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 Comments for VeronicaG about Waxahachie | | | | |
volopolo Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:07 UTC
A lot and great information! Excellent architecture of The Ellis County Courthouse! | virtualling Wed Apr 16, 2008 17:54 UTC
Thanks for the tips! I'm now thinking of checking out the Scarboroughren Fest on my way to Dallas. | starship Thu Dec 20, 2007 14:01 UTC
What a fantastic page! Nice new additions make it even better than the first time I read it. I'd love to visit Waxahachie during Christmas time too! | deecat Sun Dec 16, 2007 06:45 UTC
A favorite town that you've written about and the new Christmas pages even add to its delight. Terrific new travelogue, too. These homes are just wonderful, especially both Queen Anne homes. Smiled about coffins/furniture businesses. |
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