Have you been to Granbury, Texas? ACCESSIBLE GRANBURY is an entire website dedicated to helping navigate this wonderful small town for those with mobility disabilities.
Nestled between the Upper Hill Country and North Texas is a hidden jewel called Granbury, just minutes from the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex. Some say it is the most charming place in Texas. If you’re looking for fun things to do near Dallas – Fort Worth, a family road trip to Granbury is sure to create lasting memories. From festivals and events to entertainment and attractions to gift shopping, Granbury is an ideal relaxing getaway for travelers of all ages. Choose from a wide variety of hotel and lodging accommodations
Lake Granbury is a virtual water playground with a sandy city beach, boating and skiing, fishing, and everything in between. Granbury’s extensive trail system is perfect for a leisurely walk or a more active hike or bicycling experience.
Granbury reveals its rich history at its 40-plus historic sites, including its iconic downtown, Granbury Town Square. The square was the first in Texas to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district.
Where Texas History Lives
Founded in 1860 the town was named for Brigadier General Hiram B. Granbury (also spelled Granberry), commanding officer of Granbury’s Texas Brigade in the Confederate States Army. Over the years, the town was home to colorful characters, past and present, real and rumored. As a frontier town, Granbury counted among its residents Elizabeth Patton Crockett, widow of David Crockett who perished in the Battle of the Alamo. She moved to the area with her son Robert to take advantage of land grants provided to the heirs of those who fought for Texas. Descendents of the Crocketts still live in the area to this day.
Outlaw Legends
According to legend, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth, and outlaw Jesse James were also both Granbury residents. Although both were declared dead, some say they actually cheated death and lived in Granbury under assumed names. Following his assassination of Lincoln, rumor had it that a Booth look-a-like was actually killed while Booth fled to Granbury where he lived as John St. Helen and worked as an actor and bartender. Booth—or St. Helen—was said to favor his left leg thanks to an injury that was whispered took place when he leaped from the balcony onto the stage below after shooting the president. Following an illness, he reportedly made what he thought was a deathbed confession, only to escape death once again and, upon recovery, beat a hasty retreat from Granbury for good. Like Booth, legend says the body of an associate of James was mistaken for the outlaw’s, and James escaped to Granbury where he lived out his life as J. Frank Dalton, only declaring his true identity right before dying (for good, this time) in 1951. An autopsy was conducted and Hood County Sheriff Oran Baker alleged that the man who died in Granbury was the real Jesse James.
Resource: visitgranbury.com