Winnsboro Joins the Ranks of Main Street America™ — And We’re Celebrating at Oaklea Mansion

Main Street America

Big news for our small town!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from right here in the heart of Winnsboro: our charming East Texas town has officially been named a 2025 Main Street America™ Accredited Community! That means we’re now nationally recognized for our efforts to preserve the historic character of downtown while continuing to grow a vibrant, people-focused economy, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of it!

As longtime lovers of our town’s history and hospitality, we at Oaklea Mansion Bed & Breakfast are especially excited. Our 1903 home has seen many chapters of Winnsboro’s story, and this one is truly special.

Oaklea on Main Street

What Does Main Street America™ Accreditation Mean?

This isn’t just a feel-good title; Main Street America is a national organization that has spent over 45 years helping historic downtowns across the country thrive again. Since its founding in 1980, the program has helped:

• Reinvest over $115 billion into local economies

• Restore more than 345,000 buildings

• Create 815,000+ jobs

• Launch over 181,000 new businesses

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It’s a powerful movement rooted in preservation, place-making, and community.

Why Main Street Matters to Winnsboro (and to Us at Oaklea)

Being part of this national network opens doors to funding, grants, and revitalization opportunities that wouldn’t be available otherwise. That means our beloved downtown can continue to grow, while keeping the charm, architecture, and stories that make Winnsboro so unique.

Grants available to Main Street America communities include:

• Assistance for historic restaurants and small businesses

• Funds for transforming public spaces and downtown walkability

• Support for rural community centers and services

• Over 25 additional programs that are designed for towns like ours

  
  

Oaklea’s Role in a Revitalized Main Street

Oaklea Mansion sits blocks from Winnsboro’s downtown, and we’ve seen firsthand how far the area has come in recent years. Boutiques, cafes, galleries, and events have brought fresh life and energy to Main Street.

We’re honored to be part of this historic town’s continued evolution, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors who want to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of small-town Texas, with a Main Street that’s now nationally recognized!

Come Celebrate With Us

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to your roots, there’s never been a better time to experience Winnsboro. Book your stay at Oaklea Mansion and enjoy an authentic taste of Texas hospitality, now with an official Main Street America™ badge of honor!