Longview

  Longview was founded in 1870 by Ossamus Hitch Methvin, Sr.  Methvin coined the name of the town when he stated, "What a long view!" from his home. In June 1871, Longview was incorporated as the first town in Gregg County.  A small part of the city extends into the western part of neighboring Harrison County. With a population of approximately 82,000, Longview is home to the Great Texas Balloon Race.  This fun event is usually held in June and if you're lucky enough to be in town during this fun festival, head to the East Texas Regional Airport to watch the competitive race and nightly balloon glows. In 2014, Forbes magazine ranked Longview as the sixth fastest-growing small city in the United States.

     Longview is home to more than 30 public parks that include 6 Athletic Complexes, 5 Splash Pads, 3 DiscGolf Courses, 2 Public Swimming Pools, and 1 Action Sports Complex.  Longview also houses 3 city recreation centers.  The city has a vast trail system that is being connected to create 10 consecutive miles of connected walking/biking trails. Lake O’ The Pines just north of Longview on Hwy 259, is a popular recreation, fishing, and camping lake. Covering 18,700 acres, the lake offers excellent fishing for crappie, bass, and channel catfish.

 

     Longview’s cultural district was designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts on September 5th, 2019. The district covers more than 320 acres including downtown Longview and stretches south to LeTourneau University. The area is home to museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theater, and historic buildings.  Points of interest include Artsview Children's Theatre, the Belcher Center, the Longview Ballet Theatre, and Theatre Longview to name a few.

 

Schools

     Longview is served by four school districts. The largest, Longview Independent School District serves south and northeast Longview. Pine Tree Independent School District serves west Longview. Spring Hill Independent School District serves north Longview and Hallsville Independent School District serves far east Longview. There are ten private schools in Longview. The top-ranked schools are St. Mary’s Catholic School, Trinity School of Texas, and Longview Christian School.  The city of Longview is home to three institutions of higher learning. They are Le Tourneau University, Kilgore College - Longview, and the University of Texas at Tyler, Longview University Center.

 

Famous Folks

Chris Ivory – Starting running back for the New York Jets

Buford A. Johnson – chief mechanic for the Tuskegee Airmen

Neal McCoy – Country music singer

Forest Whitaker – Oscar-winning actor 

 

Restaurants

 

Bodacious BBQ

Ranked as one of the 50 best BBQ joints in Texas by Texas Monthly

 Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen

Scratch-made Italian.  Dine-in and take out. Favorites include country lasagna and chicken parm with pasta.

 Jucys Hamburgers

Fresh ground burgers. Fresh ingredients. Recognized by Texas Highways Magazine as the #1 Burger in Texas.