Whether you’re visiting Lewisville, Texas, for the first time, moving to the area, or a resident who loves history, consider checking out the many historical sites in and around the city. Lewisville was only incorporated within the last 100 years or so, but the area’s original families were farming and living on the land as far back as the mid-1800s. Here are six historical sites in Lewisville worth visiting.
Lewisville City Hall and Old Town
While the city hall building of Lewisville is actually quite new, it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the history of the area. City Hall opened its doors in 2003, right in the center of Old Town Lewisville. Many of the buildings in this area date back to the early 1900s. Walk around the grounds of City Hall to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and read the various plaques and signs explaining some of the town’s history. Inside the building, you’ll find most of the administrative departments of the city.
If you’re hoping to explore Lewisville and learn more about the origin of the city, this building is the perfect place to start. Head across the street to Wayne Ferguson Plaza, a welcoming outdoor space to walk and enjoy community events. Imagine what life was like over 100 years ago for the residents of Lewisville as you walk these streets and discover some of the original buildings found throughout Old Town.
Main Street Cafe
Also located in the Old Town area of Lewisville, Main Street Cafe is a newer establishment housed in a historic building. The Victorian-style house that welcomes customers to enjoy hot breakfast, homestyle cooking, and good coffee was built in 1885. History buffs interested in the stories of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde have to check this place out.
Lewisville’s original resident doctor, Dr. J.W. Kennedy, lived in this home and was regularly kidnapped by the couple, blindfolded, and taken to their hideout around what is now Lewisville Lake any time they needed medical attention. The building has been updated over the past several years, but visitors can still see some of the original wood used in the 1885 construction, and a few of the original rooms still remain.
Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the cafe any day of the week, and explore to see if you can distinguish parts of the original building. Locals love Main Street Cafe buttermilk pancakes, chicken fried steak, and potato chip chicken.
Lewisville Community Theatre
The oldest building in Lewisville, the Community Theatre building, was built in 1885. Find the theater on West Main Street in Old Town and enjoy awesome shows put on by local performers. Anyone can audition for community shows and the productions range from small plays to large musicals. Season tickets are available for those who want to support local artists and their performances while enjoying lots of shows throughout the year.
Originally Cobb’s Dry Goods, the Lewisville Community Theatre building was a staple in the old community. Once Cobb’s closed, the building was used as a church until 2003 when it began renovations to open as the theater. In 2006, the building renovations were finished with the eye-catching marquees out front.
The Old Well House
Right in front of the city hall building on West Church Street, the Old Well House is a historical landmark that dates back to the incorporation of Lewisville in 1925. Two years after the city’s incorporation, this well house was built to provide a structure for the new water system for the homes and businesses of the city.
Since then, the house has been home to the fire department, police station, and other administrative offices. It was remodeled in 1996, but much of the original structure and design was preserved. Visit today to see the 1920s interior details and architecture. Inside, you’ll get to check out Lewisville’s original jail cell.
Minor-Porter Log House
Built in 1869, the Minor-Porter Log House is worth a visit while exploring the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. This house was donated to the city of Lewisville in the late 1990s when the prairie home that encapsulated the log structure was being demolished. In 2005, the Minor-Porter Log House was moved to Lewisville Lake and restored so visitors could appreciate its impressive craftsmanship. You can see how the logs were cut, prepared, and fit together to provide a sturdy home when you take a tour.
Inside the house, you’ll find artifacts and furnishings that represent life in Texas in the 1800s. Be sure to visit during the Christmas at the Cabin celebration each year for a truly unique and memorable experience. Guided tours are available by reservation, just visit the website to set it up. If you want to explore the home on your own, stop by on the third Saturday of the month. Don’t miss out on the beautiful trails and natural habitats that the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area has to offer. They are open daily for $5 per vehicle.
Historic McCombs Cemetery
Halfway between Lewisville and Grapevine Lake, the historic McCombs Cemetery is a beautiful and quiet spot to visit. Established in the 1850s, this cemetery is home to the graves of many of the pioneers of Lewisville and Denton County. Many of the grave markers have been eroded by weather over time, but you can still make out many of the names and years of those buried here.
If you’re looking for the grave of a specific pioneer or even a distant family member, you can search the cemetery online. Walk around the grounds on a nice day and enjoy taking in the beautiful scenery while learning more about Lewisville history.
These are some of the most notable historical sites in and around Lewisville, Texas, according to Huffines CJDR Lewisville. Let us know if we missed any! If there’s an interesting historical spot in the area that you love, contact us and maybe we will add it to our list.
Image via CityofLewisville.com