I heart these safety rest areas.  I learn something from each one I visit.

Huntsville, Texas is in Walker County.  Who and what do you think is featured here?  Sam Houston.  Yes.  The Huntsville Prison.  Yes.  What else do you know about this area?  Ever heard of  “Minnie Fish” or Joshua Houston?

As you walk inside the Walker County Safety Rest Area you are greeted by a mini-forest.  Lumber production contributes to the economy of Walker County.

Sam Houston, “Minnie Fish,” and Joshua Houston are honored as Roots of Democracy.  Sam Houston’s role in the early history of Texas is more well known.  Minnie Fisher Cunningham – “Minnie Fish” as Franklin D. Roosevelt called her – was an early leader of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  She fought and lobbied in Texas and Washington not only for the rights of women, but also for the equality of race, classes, and ethnicities.  Joshua Houston was a companion of Sam Houston.  He worked tirelessly as a civic leader to promote the education of African-Americans.  He served as an alderman and commissioner in Huntsville.   In 1888 he was a delegate to the Republican Convention.  How amazing is that?

Huntsville Prison is the largest employer in Walker County.  There are posters and displays about the prison.  One poster discusses The Rise and Fall of the Prison Rodeo.  You get the feeling that they – whomever they is – wishes there would be a return of the rodeo.

Before the Civil War, cotton was king in this area.  Sam Houston moved to Walker County to grow cotton.  After the Civil War, lumber became more important to the area’s economy.

Love the playground and the pine trees.   What a beautiful area.

The rest area’s mini-museums are interesting.  I never knew about “Minnie Fish” or Joseph Houston.

Do visit the rest areas if you get a chance.  Get refreshed and learn at the same time.  Pop and Snickers are sold at these rest areas.  Also, if a tornado is coming, you will be safe.

Blessings to you and yours,

They really sell other candy and snacks in the vending machines.  I just happen to like Snickers, but I didn’t get one.