By Hunter Bonner
Five years ago, my wife, kids, and I decided to move away from the Dallas area, and settle down in the country. We did not deliberately set out for Marion County, but a turn of events brought us to this place. Since nearly day one of being here, it became more than apparent that moving to Marion County, was one of the best decisions we have ever made. I would like to share the reasons why we moved here.
Marion County, and specifically Jefferson, has a look and feel that is widely known. For a history buff like myself, living in a historic area, with exquisite homes, historical markers, and a wonderful museum, for the rest of my life, I will never run out of historical things to learn about.
The pride that this community takes in preserving history is impressive, and it is something that all citizens of Marion County should be proud of.
Everyone knows the history of Jefferson being an inland port city. In most port cities, you have people from all walks of life, working and living next to each other.
To do this, everyone pretty much must get along. One of Jefferson’s most prominent citizens told me about two years ago, “Jefferson has a port city mentality.”
It is rather extraordinary that more than 100 years after Jefferson, and Marion County ceased to be a top inland port destination, the spirit of cooperation, and tolerance of each other is alive and well.
To expand on the point above, the overwhelming sense of community here is heartwarming. As someone who resides out in the county, I feel as connected to those living in the county seat, as I do here out here in the rural areas.
When I come to town, everyone from business owners, all the way to city and county leaders makes me feel at home.
Also, I love how this town does something that the rest of the world has seemingly forgot about. That is, good old-fashioned face to face conversation.
There is nothing better than getting a Brownie Caramel Root Beer at the Jefferson General Store, and striking up a conversation with the staff, and the patrons that come in.
I grew up in Ellis County, and Waxahachie to be specific. I never thought I would ever find a city, or a county where I could have the kind of pride that I had from back home.
However, Marion County, small that we may be land wise, is a county that I am extremely proud, and blessed to live in.
Jefferson, and Marion County as a whole, have a unique lifestyle in this part of East Texas. As I spend the rest of my life here, I look forward to working with my new family (that’s y’all) and making this place even better.