History Comes Alive at the 78th Jefferson Pilgrimage This Weekend
Starting today, May 1, through Sunday, May 4, 2025, the charming small town of Jefferson, Texas, will come alive with the 78th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage "Remember When."
78th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage Tour May 1- 4, 2025
Jefferson, nestled along the banks of the Big Cypress Bayou, one of the oldest towns in Texas, is gearing up for four days of music, fun, and food, with a lot of Southern hospitality. Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city or tour some of the most beautiful, restored historic homes, each telling a different story of a bygone era. Actors in period dress recount tales of Southern elegance on the framed porches surrounded by huge Magnolia trees.
Hear stories about the steamboat commerce era, Jefferson was a bustling town for weary travelers, businessmen, and soldiers looking for a place to stay during the Civil War. You can almost smell the scent of fresh blooms and flowers on the garden tours as you tour some of the most lavish gardens that will take you back in time. To top off the weekend on Sunday, there will be a live Civil War reenactment with actors dressed in military uniforms.
Tour of Historic Homes
Jefferson has always been more than a town; it's a bridge from the past to the future. Some might say it's a living memory for anyone who has ever visited this charming town with its deep-rooted history.
Angel Manor
2025 Schedule of Events - 78th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage
- Home and Garden Tours 11 AM - 5 PM - Friday and Saturday
- Artisan Craft Fair and Sale - Adjacent to the Excelsior House - All Weekend
- Pilgrimage Downtown Parade 10 AM
- Plant Sale - 8 AM - 4 PM - Friday and Saturday - Porch at Excelsior House
- Diamond Bessie Murder Trial - Playhouse Performances
- Grand Ballroom Salad Luncheon: Courtyard at Excelsior, House on May 3, 11 AM
- Jay Gould Railroad Car Tour - Austin Street
- Heritage Quilt Exhibit - First Methodist Church
For complete information on any of these events, please visit their website or Facebook page.
With plenty of unique antique shops, gift shops, restaurants, museums, historic hotels, and cute, comfy bed and breakfast inns, Jefferson is more than just an event. It's a celebration of spirit, story, and timeless Southern hospitality served Texas-style.
Rick Rowe from KTBS 3 News sets the stage for what to expect this weekend.
2024 Texas Bigfoot Conference in Jefferson, Texas
Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver