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Historic details about Kerens Texas

Kerens, Texas, is a city with a rich history located in Navarro County. Established in 1881, Kerens was developed with the arrival of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas, which played a significant role in the town's growth and development. Here are some historical highlights and details about Kerens:


  1. Founding and Development: Kerens was founded when the railroad, also known as the Cotton Belt Route, was extended through the area. The town was named after Judge R. C. Kerens of St. Louis, a prominent figure in the railroad's development.
  2. Cotton Industry: In its early years, Kerens became a significant center for cotton farming and shipping, benefitting from its railway connection. The town's economy thrived on agriculture, particularly cotton, which was the mainstay of the local economy for many years.
  3. Tomato Capital: Over time, Kerens earned the nickname "The Birthplace of the Texas Tomato Industry." The area's farmers found that tomatoes thrived in the local soil and climate. By the early 20th century, Kerens became known for its annual Tomato Festival, celebrating the crop that played a crucial role in diversifying the local agriculture and economy away from sole dependence on cotton.
  4. Big Red: Kerens is also noted as the birthplace of Big Red, a popular cream soda. The beverage was created by a local businessman, Grover C. Thomsen, and chemist R. H. Roark in 1937.
  5. Historical Figures: The town is the birthplace of several notable individuals, including Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman and first Native American to hold a pilot license. Coleman was born in a small, unincorporated community just outside of Kerens in 1892.
  6. Architectural Heritage: Kerens has several buildings of historical and architectural interest, including homes and businesses that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures reflect the town's development over the years.
  7. Community Events: The annual Kerens Cotton Harvest Festival is a modern continuation of the town's historical celebrations. It reflects the community's pride in its agricultural heritage and serves as a reminder of Kerens' significance in the region's cotton and tomato production.


Kerens, with its rich history and contributions to the agricultural development of Texas, is a reflection of the state's broader economic and cultural evolution. The town's historical significance, combined with its community spirit and annual celebrations, continue to make it a unique part of Texas's rich tapestry.

What makes our wedding venue hall location in Kerens Texas so unique?

Kerens, Texas, is surrounded by several towns and cities within its vicinity, offering a glimpse into the diverse communities and landscapes of the region. Some of the towns and cities around Kerens, Texas, include:

  1. Corsicana - The nearest larger city, providing a range of amenities and services, located just about 20 minutes north of Kerens.
  2. Trinidad - A small town situated to the west of Kerens, known for its proximity to Cedar Creek Lake.
  3. Malakoff - Located northwest of Kerens, near the Cedar Creek Reservoir, offering recreational water activities.
  4. Eureka - A small community to the north of Kerens, closer to Corsicana.
  5. Ennis - A bit farther north of Kerens, known for its Bluebonnet Trails Festival and National Polka Festival.
  6. Athens - Located to the northeast, Athens is known for its picturesque landscapes and as the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World."
  7. Tool - Another small town near Cedar Creek Lake, to the northwest of Kerens.
  8. Rice - Situated to the north of Kerens, towards Dallas, offering a quiet, rural community setting.
  9. Mabank - Located northwest of Kerens, Mabank is another gateway to Cedar Creek Lake and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
  10. Powell - A small town to the north of Kerens, along the route towards Corsicana.


These towns contribute to the rich tapestry of communities surrounding Kerens, each with its own charm and attractions, making the area a vibrant place to visit or call home.

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