Located 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Granbury (population 6,450) is nestled on the shores of Lake Granbury, a 30-mile long recreational haven.

Thirty-plus years of preservation efforts have greatly increased Granbury's property values and tax revenues and created a strong sense of community pride. Heritage tourism has become the number one business, generating 550 new local jobs.

Granbury's historic town square, established in 1871, was the first in Texas to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it became a model for the Texas Main Street Program. Today more than 50 antique and specialty shops, restaurants, and boutiques are housed in 1880s historic buildings.

The 1914 Granbury Historic Railroad Depot is another attraction for heritage tourists, as is the 1885 jail, complete with an original cellblock and hanging tower. It also houses the Hood County Historic Museum, with artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history of Granbury and Hood County.

Historic cultural venues include the Granbury Opera House, built in 1886, and restored in the 1970s by a community-wide effort, and the circa 1950s Brazos Drive-In movie theater.

One local history teacher requires her advanced placement students to chronicle the 62 State historic markers in the county via videos, scrapbooks, and art projects; an "A" requires visiting 75 percent of the markers.

In addition, Granbury students are encouraged to volunteer as docents, in festivals and reenactments, and participate in a summer "Heritage Camp" sponsored by the Hood County Historical Society.

Designated a Preserve America Community in May 2004.

For more information

City of Granbury

Visit Granbury, Inc.