A Walk Through Time: Historic Winnsboro Landmarks Near Oaklea Mansion

The Story Behind Oaklea Mansion

Before you set out to explore Winnsboro’s rich history, it’s worth beginning your journey at one of its most treasured landmarks — Oaklea Mansion. Built in 1903, this stunning example of Neo-Classical Revival architecture stands as a proud reminder of the town’s early 20th-century prosperity. With its grand white columns, wraparound porches, and timeless Southern charm, the mansion once served as a gathering place for prominent community figures and travelers passing through East Texas.

Over the years, Oaklea Mansion has been lovingly restored, preserving not just its architectural beauty but also its welcoming spirit. Today, it operates as a bed and breakfast, inviting guests to step into a bygone era while enjoying all the comforts of modern hospitality. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with antiques and vintage details that echo the elegance of its early days, making it a perfect home base for those who want to experience historic Winnsboro firsthand.

A Walk Through Time: Historic Winnsboro Landmarks Near Oaklea Mansion

Winnsboro is more than just a charming small town — it’s a living museum of East Texas history. If you’re staying at Oaklea Mansion, you’re already at the heart of it all. Here’s a mini travel itinerary of local landmarks that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past:

1. The Winnsboro Depot and Museum

Just a short stroll from Oaklea Mansion, this historic railroad depot tells the story of how Winnsboro came to life as a bustling stop along the route connecting East Texas to the greater state. The museum showcases early photographs, tools, and exhibits from the town’s formative years, a must-visit for anyone interested in history.

2. Downtown Winnsboro’s Historic Main Street

Take a leisurely walk down Main Street, where brick buildings now house boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. Many of these structures date back to the early 1900s, reflecting the same era as Oaklea Mansion. Be sure to stop at The Bowery, a pedestrian-friendly stretch where you can enjoy a drink, browse local art, and feel the heartbeat of old Winnsboro still pulsing beneath your feet.

3. The Winnsboro Center for the Arts

Located within one of the historic downtown buildings, the Winnsboro Center for the Arts celebrates both the past and the creative spirit that continues to thrive here. The Center hosts art exhibits, live music, and cultural events throughout the year — a perfect place to see how Winnsboro’s heritage inspires its present. Speaking of the present, make sure you watch the new art center building bieng built next door to house even more education and arts.

4. The Historic City Cemetery

A short drive from the mansion brings you to one of Winnsboro’s earliest settlements. The historic cemetery is a quiet, reflective place where many of the town’s founders rest, while nearby markers tell the story of Winnsboro’s frontier days. It’s a peaceful stop that connects visitors to the community’s roots. Unfortunately, many of the stately Oak and Cedar trees were destroyed recently in a tornado. Hopefully, the cemetery will become as beautiful as it once was.

Plan Your Stay

Oaklea Mansion offers the perfect starting point for exploring Winnsboro’s historic landmarks. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended retreat, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the stories, structures, and Southern charm that make this town one of East Texas’ hidden gems.

So take a stroll, snap some photos, and let yourself be transported — because in Winnsboro, every street corner and brick tells a story, and it all begins at Oaklea Mansion.