History of Denison TX

The land for the town of Denison was bought by Willian Benjamin Munson, Sr., and R.S. Stevens in 1870. They bought the land in preparation for the arrival of the Katy Railroad coming through the area. The town was named for the VP of the Katy, George Denison.

Denison was incorporated in 1873 and had 3,000 residents. The town was not all that it seemed to be based on the orderly look of main street at the time. The business on Main was orderly and well-kept, however, the areas around the town were full of tents, bars, gambling halls, and other businesses of the sort. 

Denison was a town full of firsts for Texas. It was the location of the first free public school in 1873. It was also home to the first women’s club in the state of Texas as well, the XXI club, which began in 1876. 

The population has steadily increased in the town over the years. In the 1900s, the population was over ten thousand. By the 1920s, the population had grown to over seventeen thousand residents. The town also had eleven schools to meet the needs of the population. In 1989 Denison was showing a population of just over twenty-four thousand residents and two hundred and forty-seven businesses in the town. This number dropped just slightly in 2000 with a population of just over twenty two thousand. 

What to do in Denison, TX

If you find yourself in Denison, there is a lot to take in. Whether you in the mood to explore the great outdoors, or take in a little history there is always something to do. 

Denison, Texas is the birthplace of the thirty-fourth president of the United States, Dwight David Eisenhower. You can visit his birthplace in the town. It has been restored to its original appearance at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site. It is a three-acre area that is available to explore, it even includes an amazing museum. 

If you would like to keep exploring history, the Grayson Country Frontier Village and Museum is a great place to visit. You can experience what life was really like on the Texas frontier. The museum even includes the county’s oldest school building. It is one place you don’t want to miss visiting while in the area. 

When it comes to the great outdoors, Denison has you covered. One of the most beautiful parks in Eisenhower State Park. It has all of the outdoor activities you could dream of. Hiking trails, biking, a beautiful lake, a beach that is great for swimming. You couldn’t ask for more. 

There is so much to explore in Denison. No matter your preference of activities, you won’t run out of things to do in the area.