By P.A. Geddie
Through their Museum on Main Street program, the Smithsonian Institution is traveling around America to rural towns during the next year with an exhibition called Crossroads: Change in Rural America. In cooperation with the Texas Historical Commission, there are seven shows in Texas with San Augustine in East Texas the first taking place from August 24 through October 6.
The exhibition takes visitors through the history of rural areas and how populations, economic, and social issues have changed over the decades.
“Economic innovation and a focus on the cultural facets that make small towns unique, comfortable, and desirable have helped many communities create their own renaissance,” organizers say. “The future is bright for much of rural America as small towns embrace the notion that their citizens and their cultural uniqueness are important assets.”
The exhibition includes the topics of identity, land, community, persistence, and managing change. Rural identity — so deeply rooted in the land—has profoundly shaped American identity. Family farms, country roads, and small-town Main Streets are both real and imagined places; they are crossroads of competing visions of rural life.
Rural America’s prime attraction has always been land — locations to build homes, farms, businesses, communities, and to build a sense of worth. Americans link the reality of land ownership with the ideal of independence. Private land symbolizes political influence and contribution to the local economy. A sense of place exerts a powerful, almost spiritual, hold on many rural people. Even if they leave, it draws them back, sometimes to stay. It has inspired many to work and advocate for preservation of natural lands so that others can experience their wonders.
A sense of community first began to form at rural crossroads where lives intersected and common interests merged. Rural people exchanged ideas, worked toward common goals, and built toward a common future. They built powerful, dynamic communities. But events of the 20th century changed the conditions so favorable for crossroads communities: some failed, some diminished, some found new ways to thrive.
Rural Americans believe in their communities. They work to find solutions to problems rather than abandoning the places where they live. But every community is different. And, challenges are unique in each community. To meet them, rural people have organized locally and partnered with special interest groups and state and federal agencies dedicated to rural issues. They develop strategies that fit their communities. The attractions of a country life are strong, inspiring the people to persist.
What happens in rural America matters to all of America. Rural America is still the primary source for the nation’s food, fuel, fiber, and many critical natural resources. It is home to some of the most treasured landscapes, to thousands of species of wildlife, and ecosystems upon which all life depends. It is important for the people who live in and care for these places to survive and thrive.
All Americans who have a stake in the success of rural America play an important role in shaping its future. Change, good or bad, is inevitable. Managing that change is crucial.
San Augustine is a registered National and Texas State Historic Site and is a State Archeological Landmark. The nucleus of the town square is its county courthouse, restored in recent years to its original 1927 design. It expresses a sleek, streamlined style highlighted by simple details like a patinated bronze entry and doors flanked by matching lanterns, limestone pilasters, and a green-tile roof. The interior houses one of the largest courtrooms in East Texas. A statue of James Pinckney Henderson sits in front of the courthouse. He lived and had his law office in San Augustine, was the first governor of Texas, and held several other prestigious roles for the state.
Members of the San Augustine community are looking forward to hosting the exhibition.
“Crossroads allows us to reflect on San Augustine’s history, present, and future and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for our community,” says Marshall McMillan, San Augustine Main Street Board Chairman. “We want to convene conversations about what makes our community unique and have developed local exhibitions and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition.”
An accompanying project in San Augustine during the exhibition is Windows into History, an artistic three-dimensional tour that breathes life into San Augustine’s vibrant past. Conceived and created by local artists, artisans, and historians, this project is a celebration of the community’s deep roots in Texas history. Eighteen meticulously crafted exhibits are on display throughout the town, each accompanied by QR codes that reveal videos produced by local citizens, accessible via smartphone. Funded by a generous donation from the Lions Club and a grant from the Summerlee Foundation, this Main Street project invites everyone to explore the town’s heritage.
Mission Dolores State Historic Site is a popular stop along the King’s Highway. There, visitors learn important history about the Native American experience with the earliest European settlers in Texas. Originally called Mission Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais, the property also has a campground, picnic area, disc golf course, and group pavilions.
Visitors can journey back in time to witness the first Europeans setting foot near the Ayish Bayou and learn about the Ais Indians who once thrived there. The story of Mission Dolores, established in 1717, unfolds alongside the rich history of El Camino Real, the King’s Highway that traversed from Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Mexico City, passing right through San Augustine. The tales of Davy Crockett’s visit, the notorious 1830s gunfight over a land dispute, and the involvement of the Texas Rangers in the town are brought to vivid life.
Fifteen unique “firsts” attributed to San Augustine are on view and as well as the legacy of the timber industry, the iconic Cullen House, and the heyday of Bland Lake, a popular recreational hotspot in the early 1900s.
Guests experience the delightfully furnished 1930s dollhouse, learn about the history of the local newspaper, and witness the changes that came to East Texas with the arrival of electricity. Other activities include the Sinclair Station, famously photographed by Russell Lee, and the narrative of generations of a farming family.
San Augustine is more than just a repository of history; it is a living, breathing community that honors its past while looking toward the future. Numerous changes over the years have helped the community transform into an evolving small town with modern amenities and improved technologies that complement its rich history. The downtown hardware store features a barista coffee shop in a historic building with walls that tell tall tales.
One business in town finding ways to blend old and new is Hardware on the Square. Its historic building goes back to the early days of Texas and is conveniently located across the street from the courthouse. The current owners bought it about 10 years ago. Along with paint, tools, nuts, and bolts, they have an artisan coffee shop in the store, inviting shoppers to sit and visit about their latest projects.
The town holds two annual festivals, Sassafras Festival in October and Heritage Days in the spring. A master gardeners program supported by their connection with Texas A&M University takes place on the campus of their elementary school and the gardeners plan, plant, and care for Main Street pots to help keep the community attractive.
Shops offering clothing and gifts are downtown along with the San Augustine Drug Company where visitors enjoy getting a “world-famous” grapefruit highball.
A one mile walking trail is between the chamber of commerce building and the Mission Delores State Historic Site. A popular destination for many already, Mission Delores is set to be the future home of a replica of the original 1721 mission.
Other plans in the coming year include a farmers and artisans’ market in a newly renovated historic cotton gin and the opening of Sassafras Park with play equipment and a walking trail.
The Crossroads exhibition is a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. SITES has shared the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people, live, work, and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu. To learn more about the Crossroads exhibition go to museumonmainstreet.org/crossroads and check out this informative video.
Visitors are encouraged to see the exhibition in person to learn more about rural America and to immerse themselves in the rich narratives that shaped one town that is contributing to the ongoing story of transformation and resilience. For details, call (936) 275-3172 and visit the Main Street website.