Greenville, Texas, located in the heart of Hunt County, has become a beacon of historic preservation and economic development, blending its rich history with its world-renowned saddlemaking industry. Designated a Texas Main Street City in 1999 by the Texas Historical Commission, Greenville has seen over $7 million reinvested into its downtown area, creating a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.
A Historic Main Street Legacy
Greenville’s recognition as a Texas Main Street City has positioned it as a leader in historic preservation. The city received national acclaim in 2002 when the National Trust for Historic Preservation named it a National Main Street City, one of only 100 cities across the country to receive the honor. The National Main Street Project applauded Greenville’s efforts to merge historic preservation with economic development, breathing new life into its downtown district.
The downtown area is alive with history, showcased through the Historic Downtown Walking Tour, an initiative created by the Greenville Main Street Project and the Hunt County Historical Commission. The tour includes detailed markers and landmarks that tell the story of Greenville’s early settlers and the events that shaped the city:
- MKT "Katy" Depot (3102 Lee Street): Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this depot welcomed the first train into Hunt County on October 1, 1880, marking the arrival of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad.
- Old Greenville Post Office (2920 Lee Street): Built in 1910, this building was the recruiting site where Audie Murphy, one of America’s most decorated World War II veterans, enlisted.
- Seven Courthouses of Hunt County: This marker chronicles the evolution of the county’s courthouses, from the original log cabin to the current building completed in 1929. Both this and the Hunt County Courthouse marker are located at the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn at Stonewall and Lee Streets.
- Greenville Herald-Banner (2305 King Street): Established in 1869, this newspaper is the oldest business in Hunt County.
The tour features unique stories, including how locals avoided tying horses to lamp posts, the arrival of the first train, and even the story of Elvis Presley’s visit to Greenville.
Printed brochures for the walking tour, available at downtown merchants, guide visitors through the city’s historic streets, offering insight into Greenville’s architectural and cultural milestones.
The World of Saddlemaking: Craftsmanship at Its Best
Greenville has earned its reputation as a global leader in saddlemaking, boasting a thriving industry that produces high-quality, custom saddles sought after by equestrians worldwide. Several renowned manufacturers call Greenville home:
- Billy Cook Harness & Saddle Manufacturing: Established in 1953, this iconic company is synonymous with quality and precision. Every Billy Cook saddle is hand-tooled, inspected for craftsmanship, and stamped with the signature "Billy Cook Maker" mark. During its peak, production scaled from 75 saddles annually to over 1,200, maintaining a balance of artistry and functionality.
- Cactus Saddlery: Known as the official saddle of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Cactus Saddlery specializes in handmade products using premium materials. Its 150 years of combined saddle-making experience have made it a trusted name among professional competitors and pleasure riders alike.
- Martin Saddlery: Renowned for its innovative Axis® saddle tree technology, Martin Saddlery focuses on providing ergonomic designs for both horse and rider. Each saddle is crafted from the finest materials and carefully tailored for comfort and performance.
- Ruelas Saddle Shop: A family-owned business specializing in cutting, reining, barrel racing, and range saddles. Each saddle is custom-designed to meet the needs of its riders.
- East Texas Saddle: Founded in 1995 by Leon Castillo, this shop is known for crafting working and show saddles that combine functionality with elegance.
- Loredo's Saddlery Manufacturing: A prominent company offering a range of durable, high-quality saddles and equestrian equipment for professional and casual riders.
Greenville’s saddlemaking industry is a cornerstone of its identity, with manufacturers combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Saddles made in Greenville have become synonymous with quality, earning the city a prominent place in the equestrian world.
Architectural and Historical Highlights
Greenville’s historic charm extends beyond saddlemaking, with landmarks and buildings that embody the city’s rich heritage:
- Central Christian Church (2611 Wesley Street): This Gothic Revival church, built in 1899, features art glass windows and iconic towers, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
- First Baptist Church (2703 Wesley Street): Established in 1858, this congregation has a long history of community outreach and is the founding church for eight other local congregations.
Markers placed throughout downtown Greenville tell the stories of significant milestones, including the founding of Hunt County and the city itself. Visitors can also learn about Greenville’s first fire station, local mail service, and even a war memorial that once served as a drinking fountain.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
Greenville’s commitment to preserving its history while fostering economic development has made it a model for other communities. Whether strolling through its historic downtown, exploring the stories behind its landmarks, or visiting its renowned saddlemaking shops, Greenville offers a unique blend of heritage and innovation that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike.
