Seniors Settle Into Terrell

Terrell invites senior visitors  to experience the charm of their gracious older homes or to shop in a modern outlet mall and to take in the turn of the century downtown. 

Located 32 miles east of Dallas, Terrell has a population of around 16,000. Terrell, Texas developed as a railroad town, in 1873 with construction of the Texas and Pacific Railroad line. The town gets its name from Robert A. Terrell, a pioneer European-American settler whose farm lay on the western edge of the community.

Terrell built an octagonal house on his property, called a “Round House”, to provide better defense against attacks by Native Americans. His house was later fitted with the first glass windows in the county. Terrell was incorporated in 1875 and later the first automobile appeared in town in 1899.

The Terrell Military College was established, operating until after World War II. Its campus sat on part of the former Terrell farm and incorporated his historic Round House.

During World War II, the No. 1 British Flying Training School (BFTS), was located in Terrell. It was the first of six civilian flight schools in the United States dedicated to instructing British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots during that war.

 Seniors Enjoy Historic Homes

The nearby Lake Tawakoni State Park is spread over 376 acres of land and has a swimming beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and facilities for camping and boating. Southwestern Christian College is the local institution of higher education.

Senior visitors will find several beautiful historic homes in Terrell. This senior really liked the Matthew Cartwright House, built by banker and rancher Matthew Cartwright. It is a large and ornate Victorian mansion begun in 1883, with additions in 1894, 1922 and 1940.

Look what TripAdvisor has lined up for you. Facebook highlights places to stay, where to eat, local landmarks and museums.

Seniors Enjoy The Heritage Jubilee

 The Terrell Heritage Jubilee, an annual festival featuring three days filled with family fun, offers a carnival, live performances and arts and crafts vendors. Senior visitors can can also catch the pig races or ranch rodeo, stroll through the car and motorcycle show and a quilt show. There is also a BBQ cook-off and the Fountain 5K Run.

The Jubilee traces its origins to a livestock show first held in 1981. In subsequent years the show added entertainment, games, contests and food. Heritage Jubilee retains the western flavor of the original livestock show. Entertainment includes trick ropers, gun fighters, horses, and a cowboy poet. Great fun for everyone.

The Wade Indoor Arena is well known for events dealing with horses. The Terrell State Hospital is an abandoned insane asylum in Terrell and loaded with history. Lastly, the Thrillvania Haunted House Park, with 3 haunted attractions, including the world famous Verdun Manor, is an experience not to be missed, that is…if you are up to it.

You will enjoy Terrell. -jeb