Top 2 Reasons Why You Must Stop at Acton, Texas.
There’s a chance it’s your first time hearing about Acton, Texas.
Now, you are curious because I said you must stop at this small town.
I live nearby and visit often. That’s why I suggest you stop at Acton, a small town in North Texas.
Before we go to the reasons why you must stop at Acton, let’s find out where Acton is in Texas.
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Where is Acton, Texas?
Acton is a small town about thirty-seven miles or forty minutes drive southwest of Fort Worth. It makes Acton one of the best day trip destinations from Fort Worth that are less than two hours drive.
The closest town to Acton is Granbury, around seven miles to the west.
When you drive from Fort Worth to Granbury on US-377 S, you will see a road sign pointing south to Acton. Follow the road, FM-167/Fall Creek Hwy, and in 2 miles, you will arrive in Acton.
If you miss the turn, there’s another road to Acton. Keep going towards Granbury. You will see HEB on the right. Make a left to FM-4 at that intersection. In less than 3 miles, you will arrive at Acton.
Then, you will see a typical line of businesses and churches along the main street of a small town.
You are getting closer to why you must stop at this small town in North Texas.
Reasons to Stop at Acton, Texas.
There are two main things to do in Acton, Texas. It won’t take a lot of your time to do both. I suggest you continue to Granbury after you visit these two must stop in town.
1. Acton State Historic Site
Acton State Historic Site is Texas’ smallest state park with a total of .01 acres. It is the burial site of Davy Crockett’s second wife, Elizabeth Crockett.
You can drive into the cemetery and won’t miss the tallest monument and statue around the middle of the cemetery complex.
The statue of Elizabeth Crockett looks like she was waiting for her husband to return home from the war.
Two of her sons were also buried here.
Davy Crockett and Elizabeth got married in Tennessee in 1815.
Since Davy Crockett fought for Texas and died at the Alamo, his heirs were eligible for a land grant. Mrs. Crockett and her two sons didn’t claim her grant until 1853.
Mrs. Crockett passed away in 1860 at the age of 72. She was laid to rest in Acton Cemetery in her black widow dress she had worn since the death of her husband.
Address: 167 Granbury Ct., Granbury, TX 76049.
2. Acton Nature Center
Acton Nature Center is not big, but it’s a nice place to enjoy the peace of nature. It was created based on the native plants and animals of the property. Volunteers are trying hard to bring back the prairie and you will see the results of the hard work.
The Texas Master Naturalists, Rio Brazos Chapter, offers interesting programs year-round. For examples, bird walks, native bee studies, fossils and snake talks, backyard composting, and many more.
My favorite time to visit is when wildflowers and butterflies are abundant in the spring.
The Center has over five miles of trail hand-cleared of non-native vegetation. It is a favorite place for easy hiking, running, and biking. Moreover, dogs are always welcome.
When you go, don’t forget to pay attention to the ground. You are not walking on rocks, but you are walking on sea fossils! Remember not to move them to your pocket. Leave them where you see them.
Address: 6900 Smoky Hill Court, Granbury, TX 76049.
What is the history of Acton Texas?
– Acton is the oldest known settlement in Hood County.
– The name Acton was chosen in 1861.
– Elizabeth Crockett and her two sons settled in Acton in the mid-1850s.
– By 1887, the population of Acton was estimated at 200. It went gradually down to 75 from 1949 through the early 1960s. From the mid-60s, the population increased because of the construction of De Cordova Bend Dam nearby. In 2000, it reached 1,129.