Jasper is a small town in east Texas with deep history
In far east Texas, Jasper’s location deep in the Piney Woods eco-region lends it the title, “Jewel of the Forest.” The small town of around 7,400 residents is surrounded by dense pine woodlands, lakes and winding rivers. With its nearby natural amenities, locals like Liz McClurg also enjoy its small-town atmosphere. “It’s nice to go to the dry cleaners, and they know you before you give them your ticket. It’s nice to visit a restaurant downtown, and they call you by name,” McClurg says. The broker owns a local business, Liz McClurg Realtors, and has served Jasper homebuyers for over 25 years. “It has a hometown feel with a lot to offer. There’s something for everybody here.” The community is anchored by a town center of several small businesses that bring residents together.Jasper also has a history of racial violence and inequity. In 1998, James Byrd Jr. was lynched by white supremacists, and the town was thrust into the national spotlight. Officials ordered the construction of the James Byrd Jr. Memorial Park in 1999 to remember Byrd, and his family created the Byrd Foundation for Racial Healing to continue honoring his life. In 2012, Jasper returned to the spotlight after City Council fired the town’s first Black police chief; the Texas chapter of the NAACP called for an official federal investigation. Shortly after, the City proposed annexing three predominantly white suburbs.
Waterfront homes and renovated bungalows
Jasper’s housing market mainly comprises single-family homes, including ranch-styles, colonials, cottages and bungalows. Many houses were built in the 20th century, and several have been renovated. “In Jasper proper, we have a lot of older homes,” McClurg says. “People take and restore them. It’s a strong community for house renovations.” While new construction is less common, McClurg says new homes continue to pop up across the community. The median sale price is around $175,000. Property sizes and landscapes widely vary. “We have buyers who want something for recreation up on the lake or the river, and many people have weekend properties here,” McClurg says. Many homes overlook Angelina River and Sam Rayburn Lake, many offering private water access. Lot sizes in town typically cover around a quarter-acre, but outside of town and closer to the water, they cover at least an acre. “We have great availability of properties with acreage,” McClurg says. “It’s very common to have five to ten acres.”
Public parks and nearby reservoirs
Jasper offers four city-operated public parks, and Sandy Creek Park is arguably its busiest. “We like to go early on the weekend and take our dog,” McClurg says. “There are ducks in the pond, it’s just lovely.” It features a paved walking path that winds around a community fishing lake. Benches scatter the lake’s edge, offering folks a place to sit and watch the fountain. The park is a hub of community events, including the annual Jasper Azalea Festival and Christmas in the Park; both events pack the park full of activities, food vendors and live music. James Byrd Jr. Memorial Park and Jasper Kiwanis Park offer playgrounds for the kids.
A bit outside of Jasper proper, locals enjoy water recreation. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, about 18 miles from Jasper’s town center, is the largest lake entirely within Texas borders. “The lake is absolutely beautiful,” McClurg says. “It offers sandy beaches, fishing and hiking.” Steinhagen Reservoir is smaller, but closer to Jasper’s town center; it’s about 13 miles away. Martin Dies Jr. State Park overlooks Steinhagen, offering boat ramps, fishing piers and plenty of waterfront campsites. McClurg says that the state park also hosts canoe trips.
Jasper High School offers various CTE programs
The Jasper Independent School District scores an overall C-plus on Niche and serves over 2,000 students. Pre-kindergarten through second-grade students attend Jean C. Few Primary School, and third through fifth-grade students attend Parnell Elementary. Both schools score a C on Niche. Jasper Junior High has a C-plus, and Jasper High has a B-minus. Jasper High offers several CTE programs of study; the agriculture CTE program offers an animal science pathway with courses like livestock production and small animal management. Other programs include welding and culinary arts.
Several restaurants and boutiques are available downtown
Jasper’s town center features dozens of small businesses, from restaurants to boutiques. “We have a lovely downtown area,” McClurg says. “There’s lots of shopping and lots of interesting businesses. You can walk from store to store downtown.” A few shops are along West Houston Street, including Unique Boutique, Jasper Thrift Store and Creekside Boutique and Gifts. A bridal boutique, pawn shop and furniture business are among the many specialty retail stores along South Wheeler Street. The thoroughfare also features a couple of markets and grocers, from Brookshire Brothers to Dollar General, and where South Wheeler meets East Gibson Street, restaurants are abundant. Smitty’s Smoke House offers sizable barbecue plates, and the buffet at Cedar Tree Restaurant is a hit. Walmart is available just west of the town center.
Navigating Jasper County
Residents typically depend on cars to get around Jasper, and several highways cut through town. U.S. Route 96 is the community’s main north-south throughfare, intersecting with U.S. Route 190 at the town’s center. Locals also have access to State Highway 63. CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Jasper Memorial is the community’s primary medical facility, and Jack Brooks Regional Airport offers flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, about 85 miles away.
Written By
Brennen Martin
