Explore Kaufman through tangible traces of its history: King’s Fort, churches, and buildings on the town square represent different periods. There are also memorial sites and parks; Christmas on the Square is part of the annual events calendar. If you plan your stay around your own interests, you’ll find ways to explore history, architecture, and outdoor recreation.
Kaufman’s History Across Several Periods
The town square has been the center of activity since 1851. The Historic First National Bank Building, built in 1908, stands on the square. The original bank vault is a special attraction in the gift shop. The square’s architectural history can also be placed in time by looking at two churches: Church of Our Merciful Saviour was built in 1909 under the direction of Woodson Nash and his wife. The present building of First Baptist Church of Kaufman was dedicated on March 24, 1944. These dates mark different events—the construction of one church and the dedication of the present building of the other.
The town’s founding story includes the site “Birthplace of City of Kaufman; Site of King’s Fort”: William P. King and 40 pioneers founded it in 1840. Settlers built log cabins within King’s Fort. William and Nancy Kirk Love and their children were among the earliest settlers near King’s Fort, settling there in January 1845. These dates provide a specific historical context, from the founding to a later settlement near the fort.
Architecture and Memorial Sites
Architecture offers another perspective on Kaufman’s history. The Greenslade Drug Store features modified Spanish architecture. The Historic First National Bank Building, built in 1908, also stands on the town square. The different architectural styles and dates invite you to consider each site on its own rather than combining them into a single architectural history.
The Kaufman County Veterans Memorial Park honors people from Kaufman County who gave their lives for the county and its ideals. The park features a four-fifths-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The Kaufman County Poor Farm grounds include a pond, 19th-century buildings, additional outbuildings, and historic farming equipment. KCHC offers tours of the “Poor Farm” by request. Arrange your visit before you travel.
Parks and Getting Around
Shannon Park has covered basketball courts, a splash pad, lighting, and a walking trail. Facilities may change over time. Kaufman City Lakes Park is located northeast of Kaufman, off Highway 34. The two parks offer different points of reference: Shannon Park has specific facilities, while the location of City Lakes Park helps orient you to the northeast of Kaufman.
Christmas on the Square and Downtown
Christmas on the Square is Kaufman’s annual Christmas festival in Downtown Kaufman. The lighted parade ends at Shannon Park. Activities and route details may change for future editions, so check event dates and the schedule before you travel.
Historic buildings in Downtown Kaufman house restaurants, cafés, boutiques, salons, and professional service businesses. The local business mix may change. One tea room makes its own lemonade tea and bottles it on-site. As business details can change, ask about current offerings before your visit.
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Go to the main travel overview: Kaufman.
