confederate reunion grounds state historic site

The Confederate Reunion Grounds Historic Site is open 8-5 daily and located a few minutes west of Mexia. The grounds are located on the little Navasota River and are beautifully maintained, quiet, and peaceful. The centerpieces of the site are the beautiful 1893 dance pavilion and the Val Verde Canon. Miss Mamie Kennedy’s Flirtation Walk (0.8 miles) to the spring is a nice walk. Check with the Friends group [254-472-0959] to see about the many activities and lectures available during the week. They are currently working around the ruins of the old pump house on the river, but you can still launch canoes rented at the Fort Parker State Park to paddle back over to the state park. The office and visitors center was temporary closed when I was there, but the manager was recommended as a great resource for learning about the site. I agree that the $4 fee is a little steep unless you time your visit to one of the activities or lectures and visit the visitors center and museum store. Annual events include the Civil War Living History and Reenactment in April and the Confederate Reunion Picnic in May.

I had always promised myself I would go here as I have a reunion ribbon from here of my great grandfather's who was a confederate. On my way through Mexia, I had the time so I made a detour. They have one of the 2 actual Valverde cannons captured from the Battle of Mansfield (Louisiana) and representation of Confederate flags. You can swim at your own risk in the lake inlet here although the place looked ripe for water moccasins. Probably a pretty popular place for a family reunions. To just drive through it, $4 entrance fee is a bit steep.If you plan on having a picnic, it might be worth it. Although not far from here is Fort Parker State Park which is on Lake Mexia which is a prettier site for a picnic.

Well groomed park with great picnic grounds on the historic site where confederate veterans camped out for reunions for many years. It was a major place for the politicians of old to give grand speeches and begin or continue their political careers with the old veterans who remained power brokers for years. It is also a put in for the Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail, 5 + miles of beautiful river to Fort Parker State Park. Feel the history!