Beaumont, Texas
USA
Geographic Coordinates: 30.084900, -94.145100
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Beaumont, United States are not specified.
Population: 137549
Language: English
Beaumont, Located in southeastern Texas, Is the county seat of Jefferson County with a population of around 118, 000 people. The city covers an area of approximately 85 square miles and is situated on the Neches River near the Gulf of Mexico. The city was founded in 1835 and named after Mary Dewburleigh Barlace Warren Beaumont, The wife of one of its founders. Due to its location as a major port for shipping oil from nearby oil fields during the early 20th century, It grew rapidly.
Today, It remains an important center for petrochemicals with numerous refineries and chemical plants located in the surrounding area. One notable attraction is its downtown district featuring many historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries such as Jefferson Theatre built-in 1927 now used for live performances; Art Museum of Southeast Texas; and St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica dating back to 1903.
Lamar University founded in 1923 offers over one hundred undergraduate degree programs across several colleges including Business Administration; Education & Human Development; Engineering; Fine Arts & Communication; Health Sciences; Liberal Arts & Social Sciences; Science & Technology. For outdoor enthusiasts there are plenty activities available such as hiking or biking at Tyrrell Park or fishing at Cattail Marsh Wetlands Preserve where visitors can see alligators sunning themselves on logs along with various species birds such as egrets or herons wading through shallow waters looking for fish to eat.
for those who enjoy shopping there are plenty options available from mall shopping at Parkdale Mall featuring stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears to boutique shopping at historic Mildred Building in downtown Beaumont. Beaumont is a vibrant city that offers rich history and culture along with modern amenities. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historic downtown district or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking or fishing, There’s something for everyone in this southeastern Texas gem.
Important Landmarks
- Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
- McFaddin-Ward House Museum
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- Beaumont Botanical Gardens
- Cattail Marsh Wetlands & Boardwalk
- Beaumont Children’s Museum
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum
- Jefferson Theatre
- Colorado Canyon
- Fire Museum of Texas
Primary Industries
Major Industries and Businesses in Beaumont, United States
- Petrochemicals
- Healthcare
- Education
- Retail
- Hospitality and Tourism
Largest Employers in the Area
- ExxonMobil
- Lamar University
- Christus Health System
- Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
Shopping Centers and Restaurants
The city is also home to several shopping centers and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists.
Port of Beaumont
Additionally, the Port of Beaumont is a major hub for shipping and transportation in the region.
Noteable History
Historical Events in Beaumont, United States
- Discovery of oil in Spindletop in 1901, which led to the growth of the city and made it a major center for oil production.
- Hurricane Audrey in 1957 caused extensive damage and loss of life in Beaumont and surrounding areas.
- The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s saw protests and demonstrations by African Americans seeking equal rights.
Notable People from Beaumont, United States
- George Jones – country music singer born and raised in Beaumont.
- Janis Joplin – rock singer also born and raised in Beaumont.
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias – Olympic gold medalist athlete who grew up in Beaumont.
- Lamar Hunt – businessman who founded the American Football League (AFL) owned several sports teams including the Kansas City Chiefs; he was born and raised in Beaumont.
- James A Baker III – politician served as Secretary of State under President George H.W Bush; he was born and raised in Houston but his family had deep roots in Beaumont where they were prominent lawyers.
These are just a few examples of many historical events/people associated with Beaumont, United States over its rich history.
Museums and Things To See
- Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- Fire Museum of Texas
- McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum
- Beaumont Botanical Gardens
- Edison Plaza Museum and Gift Shop
- Tyrrell Historical Library
- John Jay French House Museum
- Jefferson Theatre
- Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum
Sports Teams
- The Beaumont Drillers were a baseball team in the Texas League from 1920 to 1929, winning the league championship in 1923. They had notable players like Hall of Famer Earl Averill.
- Lamar University’s athletic teams, the Lamar Cardinals, compete in NCAA Division I with football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, cross country and golf teams.
- The Southeast Texas Mavericks were a professional indoor football team based in Beaumont that played for two years (2011-2012) in the Lone Star Football League.
- The Beaumont Exporters were a minor league baseball team that played from 1947 to 1955 in the Gulf Coast League.
- The Golden Triangle Outlaws were a professional indoor football team based out of Ford Arena that folded after one season (2008) due to financial difficulties.
- The East Texans Oilers was an independent minor league baseball team based out of Vincent-Beck Stadium at Lamar University during summer 2010 before disbanding after only one season due to lack of fan support.
- Another sports franchise named Southeast Texas Mavericks existed briefly between November-December-2006 as part of American Basketball Association (ABA) before folding due to financial troubles and poor attendance figures.
- The Gators are an amateur men’s basketball club founded by former NBA player Tony Farmer who is also its coach since early 2000s. They play their home games at Ozen High School gymnasium located on Dowlen Road.
Cultural Events
- Gusher Days Festival
- Neches River Festival
- Beaumont Farmers Market
- Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Show
- Oktoberfest
- Art in the Park
- Christmas Lighted Parade
- Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas
- Juneteenth Celebration
- Southeast Texas Great Outdoors Expo
Cuisine
- Willy Burger
- Rao’s Bakery
- Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse
- Katharine & Company
- Tacos La Bamba
- J Wilson’s
- The Grill by Arfeen, Smith & Payne
- Tokyo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
- Frankie’s Italian Grill
- Mama Jacks Hamburgers
Parks and Recreation
- Tyrrell Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities such as golfing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and exploring the botanical gardens.
- Riverfront Park is situated on the Neches River and provides visitors with walking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds.
- Magnolia Park has facilities for sports enthusiasts including basketball courts, tennis courts and baseball fields.
- Rogers Park is a perfect spot for family picnics with its shaded pavilions and barbecue pits.
- The Beaumont Botanical Gardens are home to an array of plants such as roses and cacti that make for a beautiful sightseeing experience.
- Cattail Marsh Wildlife Management Area is ideal for birdwatching or nature walks along its boardwalk trail.
- Lamar University Recreation Center is an indoor facility that caters to fitness enthusiasts by offering classes in addition to rock climbing walls and basketball courts open to both students and community members alike.
- McFaddin-Ward House Museum showcases turn-of-the-century life in Southeast Texas through the historic home of one of Beaumont’s founding families now open to public viewing as a museum.
- Gator Country Adventure Park offers visitors outdoor adventures that include zip lining across alligator ponds while also providing up-close encounters with alligators!
- Beaumont Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits designed specifically for children aged 2-12 years old aimed at promoting creativity & learning in a fun way!