Longview TX is a vibrant business center
Longview TX lies 121 miles to the east of Dallas. It’s the county seat of Gregg County. Longview is the center of commerce and industry for much of eastern Gregg and western Harrison counties.
The city was founded in 1871 and got its name because of the view that surveyors saw near the townsite. While retaining its roots,the community is looking to the future.
History
Longview is the official seat of government and business in Gregg County. During the 1930s oil boom,the town became a major commercial,industrial and transportation hub in East Texas.
Located along the Texas & Pacific railroad,the town developed around two focal points-the downtown depot and Longview Junction. Between the two,the shortest mule drawn street railway in the United States operated.
The first municipal waterworks and sanitary sewer system were installed in 1904. Gabriel Augustus Bodenheim (also known as “Bodie”) served as mayor of the city from 1904 until 1916,and then again from 1918 until 1920. During his tenure as mayor,the City was able sell bonds for city improvements.
The Mary Lee Robbins Genealogy & Local History Room contains many resources to help you with your family history research,including microfilm records of censuses,city directories,and cemetery records. The Library has a large collection of books on local history and genealogy. A librarian is available to assist you with your research needs.
Arts & Culture
Longview has a rich history of arts and culture. Local theaters and museums are a great place to learn about the area’s past. You can also find a wide variety of restaurants serving both breakfast and lunch.
In the 1930s,cotton farming and beef ranching were the major industries of the area. During this period,inventor and entrepreneur R. G. LeTourneau established a large manufacturing facility for earth-moving equipment in the region and founded LeTourneau Technical Institute later becoming LeTourneau University.
Large organizations such as the Longview Museum of Fine Art,Chalk Hill Educational Media,Winnsboro Center for the Arts,Michelson Museum of Art and the LeTourneau University Belcher Center earn the majority of revenues among Longview arts,culture and humanities nonprofits. ArtWalk Longview is one of the many events that are held in the community. This is a free,self-guided tour of downtown business venues that feature art exhibits and musicians.
Food & Drink
Longview has a vibrant and thriving business environment,with a workforce that is experienced,a robust infrastructure and countless resources. Major companies like automotive manufacturer Dana Corporation and chemical maker Eastman Chemical demonstrate the diverse industry strengths of this region.
Enjoy mesquite-grilled fajitas and ice cold margaritas at On The Border in Longview. This restaurant is rated 4.5 stars by the locals and is a must-try for anyone visiting this Texas city.
Pizza King is a nationally known and loved chain. This Longview location has over 270 online reviews and boasts a 4-star rating. They also offer take-n-bake for those who prefer their pizza piping hot.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle passenger rail service stops in downtown Longview every morning and evening,on its route from Chicago to San Antonio. The station is a busy hub that serves residents of Longview and surrounding cities such as Nacogdoches Lufkin,Houston,and Lufkin. SecurCare Self-Storage has six locations in the area,providing clean and affordable storage units to Longview residents.
Shopping & Nightlife
Each Texas town is unique. Poteet is known for strawberries,Mission for citrus and Longview,hot-air balls. A local dentist named Bill Bussey started the annual Great Texas Balloon Race in 1978,which draws visitors from all over the state. You can admire the blimps from ground level,or you can go up in one with Bussey’s company,Balloon Adventures USA.
The city’s downtown area has experienced a boom,with boutique shops like the 504,a six-thousand-square-foot vintage marketplace that brings in new inventory daily. You’ll find everything from Mexican handbags to hardcover books at Melas Clothing Company,and you can fulfill your Downton Abbey fantasies at Walker Manor Bed & Breakfast,a three-story neoclassical mansion.