Art plays a vital role in the story of Texas, and will enhance your experience

along the Texas Forts Trail.

The Legacy of Art Along the Texas Forts Trail

Some of the most interesting pieces of

Texas history, as well as the state’s valued

homegrown handiwork can be viewed through

the unique artwork found along the trail.

Let’s take a trip down the trail!

Eastland Art ProjectEastland's Outdoor Art Exhibit consists of 41 pieces of art placed near or on businesses throughout Eastland.

Each piece of art includes a story of the painter's life or interesting details about the original piece of art.

Michigan J. FrogEastland, Texas, made national news in 1928 when the current Art Deco style courthouse

replaced the town’s 1897 courthouse.

The old structure’s cornerstone was opened and, according to witnesses, inside lay a Texas horned toad, supposedly still alive after a 31-

year slumber.

Dubbed Old Rip, the toad died after a nationwide tour and was enshrined in a glass-

top casket, still on view at the courthouse.

It is rumored that Old Rip was the inspiration for Michigan J. Frog, an animated cartoon character that debuted in the Looney Tunes cartoon One Froggy Evening (December 31, 1955).

Tallulah Bankhead / Cruella de VilleTallulah Bankhead of the famous Bankhead family for which the Bankhead Highway

was named.

She became the inspiration for one of the

most famous Disney characters of all time; Cruella de Ville of 101

Dalmatians.

Palo Pinto, Texas

Palo Pinto’s name originated from a Native American phrase

for “Painted Poles.”

Indians would used painted poles as markers for towns and

miles.

Poles became the earliest signs for the settlers and

Indians.

The Poles are colorful reminders of early travel

around the Texas Forts Trail.

Mineral Wells, Texas

Mineral Wells is home to a welcome sign that created then inspired a more famous one, the Hollywood sign.

After years of weathering and no care, the sign was moved to Bald Mountain where 50 volunteers restored the sign.

Old Post Office Museum and Art CenterGraham, Texas

Graham’s Old Post Office Museum & Art Center is filled with permanent

exhibits of Young County history.

It includes a mural by Texas regionalist Alexandre Hogue,

courtesy of the New Deal, depicting elements of the city’s

history.

The Old Jail Arts CenterAlbany, Texas

Situated in a restored 1878 jail, The Old Jail Art Center is a widely-acclaimed art

museum dedicated to the visual arts and to preserving the local history of the

Shackelford County area. It has a permanent collection that rivals its big

city counterparts.

Mason, TexasWalt Disney’s film, Old Yeller, premiered at the Odeon Theatre, because native son Fred Gipson

wrote the story in Mason.

A bronze statue of Old Yeller and the

annual Old Yeller Day honor Gipson’s tale,

inspired by his grandfather.

San Angelo, Texas

San Angelo has incorporated art throughout the city. Whether it be visiting the Fine Arts Museum or stopping by the visitors center,

many diverse pieces can be found.