Vidor, Texas: From Sawmills to Country Music Legends

Howdy, folks! Let me spin you a tale about Vidor, Texas, a small town with a big history.
Back in the late 19th century, the area that would become Vidor was covered in dense forests. In 1898, the Texarkana and Fort Smith Railway carved its way through, opening up the land for logging. A lumberman named Charles Shelton Vidor saw potential in those towering trees and set up the Miller-Vidor Lumber Company. By 1909, the community had its own post office, and in 1929, the Miller-Vidor subdivision was laid out. The town officially became Vidor, and it was incorporated in 1960.

Famous People From Vidor, Texas

• George Jones: The legendary country singer known for hits like "He Stopped Loving Her Today" lived in Vidor during the 1960s and 1970s.
• Tracy Byrd: Another country music star, Byrd is famous for songs like "Watermelon Crawl."
• Clay Walker: Known for chart-toppers like "What's It to You," Walker also hails from Vidor.
• Tamara Hext: She wore the crown as Miss Texas in 1984.
• Don Rollins: A songwriter best known for co-writing the hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere."
• Billie Jo Spears: A country artist celebrated for her song "Blanket on the Ground."
• Roger Mobley: A former child actor who later served as a police detective in Vidor.
• David Ozio: A professional bowler inducted into the Professional Bowlers Association and USBC Hall of Fame.

What Festivals are held in Vidor, Texas

While Vidor may not host large-scale festivals, the surrounding areas offer several notable events:

• South Texas State Fair: Held in nearby Beaumont, this fair features livestock shows, rodeos, and a variety of entertainment.
• Nederland Heritage Festival: Celebrates the Dutch heritage of the area with parades, carnivals, and food.
• Evadale Catfish Festival: A short drive from Vidor, this festival offers catfish dinners, live music, and family-friendly activities.

So, there you have it, Vidor, Texas, a town built on sawdust and Southern grit. From its humble beginnings in the lumber industry to its ties with country music legends, Vidor has carved out its own unique spot on the Texas map.

While it may not be the biggest dot on the radar, it’s a town full of stories, some sung through the twang of a country guitar, others told through the hardworking folks who call it home. Whether you're passing through on I-10, grabbing some BBQ, or soaking in a bit of small-town charm, Vidor is a place that proves history isn’t just something you read about, it’s something you live.