View the map of East Texas shown below, East Texas, a region known for its pine forests and oil production, spans approximately 41,000 square miles and is home to over 1.9 million people. Key cities include Tyler, Longview, and Lufkin. The region's economy is driven by oil, agriculture, and timber, with the East Texas Oil Field being one of the largest in the U.S. The area also has a rich cultural history, rooted in both Native American and early European settler influences, and features landmarks like the Texas State Railroad and Caddo Lake. East Texas experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
Explore the map of East Texas showing counties, county boundaries, state boundary, interstate highways, US highways, railroads, major cities, major towns, forests, and national parks.
East Texas
East Texas is a distinct region in the eastern part of the state, known for its rich history, dense pine forests, and significant contributions to Texas’s economy through industries such as oil, agriculture, and timber. Spanning approximately 41,000 square miles, East Texas is home to over 1.9 million people, with key cities like Tyler, Longview, Nacogdoches, and Lufkin serving as major hubs for commerce, culture, and education. The region is characterized by its unique blend of rural landscapes, small towns, and mid-sized cities, all underpinned by a humid subtropical climate that brings hot summers and mild winters.
Geography and Landscape
East Texas is located in the Piney Woods, a sub-region that stretches across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The Piney Woods is named for its dense forest of pine trees, which cover much of East Texas. The region's forests are a crucial part of the local economy, providing timber for construction and other industries. Major rivers such as the Sabine, Neches, and Angelina flow through the region, and numerous lakes, including Lake Palestine, Lake Livingston, and Caddo Lake, dot the landscape. Caddo Lake, which straddles the Texas-Louisiana border, is the only natural lake in Texas and is famous for its cypress trees and wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists.
East Texas's terrain is relatively flat to gently rolling, and its soil is ideal for farming, contributing to the region's agricultural productivity. In the southern part of East Texas, closer to the Gulf Coast, the terrain becomes more marshy, while the northern portion features rolling hills and dense woodlands.
Climate
East Texas has a humid subtropical climate, which means it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall is more abundant in East Texas than in many other parts of the state, with average annual precipitation ranging from 35 to 50 inches, depending on the location. The region's long growing season, typically spanning over 230 days, supports a variety of crops, including cotton, hay, and vegetables. The higher rainfall levels and fertile soil have made East Texas one of the state's most important agricultural areas.
Economy and Industries
East Texas has a diverse economy that is largely driven by natural resources. The three main pillars of the region’s economy are oil, timber, and agriculture, though education, healthcare, and tourism also play significant roles.
Oil and Energy
One of the most significant contributors to the economy of East Texas is the oil industry. The East Texas Oil Field, discovered in 1930, remains one of the largest oil fields in the United States, producing millions of barrels of oil annually. This discovery transformed the region and brought economic prosperity that continues to influence East Texas today. Cities like Kilgore and Longview became centers for oil production and distribution, and the presence of energy companies in the region has spurred local job growth and infrastructural development. The oil and gas industry also supports related businesses, including oilfield services, transportation, and refineries.
Timber and Lumber
East Texas is heavily forested, particularly in the Piney Woods region, and timber production is a major industry. The region's forests produce a variety of timber products, including pine lumber, hardwood, and pulp for paper production. Timber companies manage vast tracts of forestland in the area, providing jobs and contributing to the local economy. Many towns in East Texas, such as Jasper and Lufkin, have historically depended on the timber industry for economic growth and stability.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains an important part of life in East Texas. The region’s fertile soil and favorable climate allow for the production of various crops, including cotton, hay, fruits, vegetables, and even vineyards in some areas. Cattle ranching is another important agricultural activity, with many East Texans involved in raising livestock. The combination of agriculture and cattle ranching provides significant employment opportunities and sustains the rural economy in East Texas.
Major Cities
Several cities in East Texas are notable for their economic contributions, cultural significance, and historical importance. Some of the most prominent cities include:
Tyler
Tyler is often referred to as the "Rose Capital of America" due to its history of rose production and its annual Texas Rose Festival. With a population of over 106,000, Tyler serves as a regional hub for healthcare, education, and commerce. The University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College are important educational institutions in the area, attracting students from across the region. Tyler’s economy is supported by industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Longview
Longview, with a population of around 81,000, is another important city in East Texas, known for its role in the oil industry and its vibrant cultural scene. Longview is home to the East Texas Oil Museum, which chronicles the discovery of oil in the region and its economic impact. The city also hosts the Great Texas Balloon Race, an annual event that draws visitors from around the country. Longview has a strong manufacturing base, with industries ranging from metal fabrication to food processing.
Lufkin
Lufkin, located in the heart of East Texas, has a population of about 35,000 and is an important center for the timber and paper industries. The city is home to Georgia-Pacific, one of the largest producers of wood and paper products in the U.S. Lufkin also serves as a gateway to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a popular destination for fishing and outdoor recreation. The presence of Angelina College and CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial makes Lufkin an important educational and healthcare hub for the region.
Nacogdoches
Known as the "Oldest Town in Texas," Nacogdoches has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The city, with a population of around 33,000, is home to Stephen F. Austin State University, which is a major economic driver in the region. Nacogdoches is known for its historical landmarks, including the Old Stone Fort Museum and Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, as well as its annual festivals, such as the Texas Blueberry Festival.
Cultural and Historical Significance
East Texas is steeped in history, with Native American tribes such as the Caddo and early European settlers playing important roles in shaping the region. The Spanish established missions in the area during the 18th century, and many of these historic sites, such as Mission Tejas State Park, still exist today. East Texas was also a battleground during the Texas Revolution and the Civil War, with significant historical sites like the Sabine Pass Battleground and Fort Travis.
The region's culture is deeply rooted in Southern traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, religion, and community. Churches, particularly of the Baptist and Methodist denominations, play a central role in East Texas life. The area also has a rich tradition of music, particularly country, gospel, and blues, with local musicians contributing to the cultural fabric of Texas and beyond.
Tourism and Recreation
East Texas attracts visitors with its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities. The region’s many lakes, such as Lake Palestine, Lake Livingston, and Caddo Lake, offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. Big Thicket National Preserve and the Davy Crockett National Forest provide hiking and wildlife viewing in some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Texas. The annual Texas Rose Festival in Tyler and the Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview are major events that draw tourists to the region.
The small towns and scenic byways of East Texas also appeal to those interested in history and heritage tourism. The Texas State Railroad, which operates between Rusk and Palestine, offers scenic train rides through the pine forests of East Texas, giving visitors a glimpse into the region's past.
List of Counties of East Texas
County
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
County Seat
Notable Features
Anderson County
57,922
1,078
Palestine
Texas State Railroad, Historic Palestine
Angelina County
86,395
807
Lufkin
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Davy Crockett National Forest
Bowie County
92,893
923
Texarkana
Red River Army Depot, Texarkana twin cities
Cass County
28,454
938
Linden
Historical sites, timber industry
Cherokee County
50,412
1,062
Rusk
Texas State Railroad, Historic Sites
Gregg County
124,239
276
Longview
East Texas Oil Museum, Great Texas Balloon Race
Harrison County
68,839
916
Marshall
Historic Courthouse, Marshall Pottery
Henderson County
82,150
874
Athens
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens Scuba Park
Houston County
22,968
1,231
Crockett
Davy Crockett National Forest, Historic Courthouse
Jasper County
35,529
970
Jasper
Big Thicket National Preserve, Timber Industry
Nacogdoches County
64,653
947
Nacogdoches
Stephen F. Austin State University, Historic Sites
Newton County
12,217
940
Newton
Big Thicket National Preserve, Timber Industry
Panola County
22,491
801
Carthage
Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Polk County
50,123
1,057
Livingston
Lake Livingston State Park, Alabama-Coushatta Tribe
Rains County
12,164
232
Emory
Lake Fork, Emory Historic Downtown
Red River County
11,587
1,058
Clarksville
Historic Clarksville, Agriculture
Rusk County
52,214
924
Henderson
Oil Industry, Rusk County Youth Expo
Sabine County
9,894
577
Hemphill
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sabine National Forest
San Augustine County
7,918
592
San Augustine
Historic Homes, Mission Dolores State Historic Site
Shelby County
24,022
835
Center
Sabine National Forest, Shelby County Courthouse
Smith County
233,479
932
Tyler
Texas Rose Festival, Tyler State Park
Trinity County
14,651
714
Groveton
Davy Crockett National Forest, Trinity River
Upshur County
41,158
593
Gilmer
Yamboree Festival, Timber Industry
Van Zandt County
57,552
860
Canton
First Monday Trade Days, Canton Historical District
Wood County
44,843
695
Quitman
Lake Fork, Mineola Nature Preserve
List of Cities of East Texas
City
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
County
Notable Features
Tyler
106,985
57.97
Smith County
Texas Rose Festival, University of Texas at Tyler
Longview
81,638
55.93
Gregg County
East Texas Oil Museum, Great Texas Balloon Race
Nacogdoches
33,405
27.01
Nacogdoches County
Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Blueberry Festival
Lufkin
35,021
34.51
Angelina County
Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Georgia-Pacific (Timber Industry)
Marshall
22,831
29.6
Harrison County
Marshall Pottery, Wiley College
Henderson
13,374
12.2
Rusk County
Oil Industry, Rusk County Youth Expo
Jacksonville
14,500
14.1
Cherokee County
Tomato Capital of the World, Lake Jacksonville
Palestine
18,544
19.6
Anderson County
Texas State Railroad, Dogwood Trails Festival
Kilgore
13,376
18.88
Gregg County
Kilgore College, East Texas Oil Museum
Carthage
6,569
10.5
Panola County
Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Athens
12,857
20.7
Henderson County
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens Scuba Park
