Discover Rhome through the history of the former settlement of Prairie Point and places with a range of focuses. Its development dates back to the 19th century; the parks and memorial site represent play, recreation, and remembrance. When planning your visit, you can choose between a historical perspective on the town and the different themes of its named sites.

From Prairie Point to the Name Rhome

Prairie Point, the settlement that preceded today’s city of Rhome, was founded in the late 1850s by a group of settlers from Missouri. By the early 1860s, the settlement already had a hotel, a school, and several stores. This sequence makes clear that the town’s history began before it was called Rhome: Prairie Point had developed early into a settlement with various facilities.

Prairie Point was located near present-day Rhome, at the intersection of two stagecoach routes. This location is part of its early history, along with the settlement’s founding and facilities. In 1883, the new settlement was named Rhome in honor of Col. Byron Crandall Rhome. The founding, early development, and naming are thus distinct stages: Prairie Point refers to the earlier settlement, while Rhome is the later name.

The grain mills add another facet to the town’s history. One of Rhome’s mills was the first roller mill in Wise County and possibly also the first in Texas. This account connects local industrial history with the settlement’s development; its possible status as the first in Texas remains a possibility, not a certainty.

Parks with Different Features

Rhome Family Park brings together several specific amenities: it has multiple play areas for children, a full-size basketball court, and a shaded walking area. The park therefore caters to a range of interests, from play and basketball to a walking area whose shade is specifically highlighted. The address is 400 S. Virginia Lane; the park is near the Crown Point residential development.

Veterans Memorial Park has a different focus. It is a place to remember people who have served the United States and is centrally located at 100 South Virginia Lane. A team of volunteers has maintained the park for years. As a quiet place to pause and honor the dead, its purpose is clearly different from the play and recreation amenities at Family Park. Visitors choosing parks by their distinct character will find two different reasons to visit: the amenities at Family Park or the quiet memorial purpose of Memorial Park.

Historic Designation and Present-Day Worship Services

Another historical landmark is Rhome United Methodist Church, which is designated a “Texas Historical Designated Building.” Worship services are still held there as well. Its historic designation and present-day use thus coexist: the church is part of both the town’s history and its present-day community life. Together with Prairie Point’s settlement history, the mills, and the two parks, it gives a picture of Rhome that encompasses a range of themes rather than just a single attraction.

Discover more destinations: Bridgeport

For the main travel overview: Wise.