Jefferson, Texas is located on Big Cypress Bayou in the Cypress Valley of Northeast Texas. It is the County seat for Marion county. Named for Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War patriot who was known as the "Swamp Fox", Marion County was created in 1860. Jefferson was named for Thomas Jefferson, and was conceived as a port city by Allen Urquhart and Daniel Alley, who saw its potential as the head of navigation when they prepared a plan for the town site in 1841.     In 1845, when obstructions were removed from Big Cypress Bayou, steamboats could reach Jefferson from New Orleans. After the arrival of the first steamboat, Jefferson became a boom town where many pioneers to Texas first set foot on Texas soil when they disembarked from the steamboats.      Jefferson became a port of entry into the Republic of Texas and then the State of Texas. It was also a shipping port for those who wished to sell agricultural products, especially cotton. Cotton was brought to Jefferson from as far away as Dallas by ox wagon and then sold in Jefferson through receiving, forwarding, and commission merchants to markets in New Orleans and St. Louis.      During Jefferson's Golden Era as a steamboat port from 1845 until 1875, it became a cosmopolitan town like most port cities with a confluence of cultures and businesses. The architectural styles, which developed in Jefferson during this period of prosperity, resembled those of New Orleans. The homes were primarily of Greek revival design.      When the log raft was removed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the year 1873, the water level in Big Cypress Bayou was reduced and navigation to Jefferson was threatened. Railroads were also extended during this period of time across Texas, which reduced Jefferson's commercial market area. The town ceased to be a prominent port city and commercial center. However, many of the mid-nineteenth century homes and buildings remain.      Jefferson has become a community with a high quality of life. Tourists come to Jefferson seeking the ambience, relaxation and activities which are provided here. Jefferson boasts many bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, places of entertainment and shops. There are boat rides on Big Cypress Bayou and Caddo Lake, wagon and surrey rides, rides on a steam driven railroad train and tours of historic homes. New residents from across the United States have chosen Jefferson for their home because it is an open, friendly community where people from diverse places and backgrounds feel comfortable in a progressive setting. One of the most common statements from those who have experienced Jefferson is "Jefferson is a magical place and a town that time forgot."          Caddo Lake    Caddo lake is located in Marion County, Harrison County and Caddo Parish Louisiana, a few miles east of Jefferson. It is a beautiful water garden of bayous, cypress trees, Spanish moss, lotuses and water lilies. There are many fine homes and restaurants located on Caddo lake and Big Cypress Bayou. Both day and night tours of this majestic swamp are available.  To visit Caddo Lakes Web-site, please go to www.caddolakecollections.com and enjoy the history along with some beautiful photos. Lake O' the Pines    Lake O' the Pines is a lake operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It has large open water for sailboats, ski boats and other water craft. Its camping nature trails, beaches and other recreational areas are outstanding. On its shores are homes, restaurants and boat marinas.    To  visit  Lake O' the Pines  Web-site, please go to  www.lakeothepines.com and enjoy the history, fishing report, property for sale and rent, and scenes of the lake.     Jefferson is a pedestrian community. A resident or visitor can walk to banks, restaurants, coffee shops, governmental offices, antique shops, bars, and park in an intimate riverfront setting. It has recently relocated a circa 1934 Texas Forest Service tower near downtown for broadband access to all wireless services including wireless Internet.  For information regarding Jefferson's 26th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes please visit the website historicjeffersonfoundation.com for more information.      Jefferson welcomes investors with energy and vision. Jefferson affords its investors the opportunity to participate in developing a world class community.