Bounded by the Trinity and Navasota Rivers, Leon County offers a variety of plants and terrain. From our flowering dogwood and redbud trees and bluebonnets in spring, to the sunshiny blooming cacti and coreopsis in summer, to the bright berries of the hollies and yaupons in winter, with our rolling hills and valleys and evergreens, Leon County is a beautiful place to visit or live and work in, any season of the year.
Because of its location on I-45 and being centrally located between Houston, Dallas, and Austin, Leon County is strategically located for economic development. The economic expectations for Leon County through the end of the century and beyond are strong. These economic expectations form a good base for economic development in Leon County, particularly in the light of the county's economic strengths. Some of the strengths of the county to attract and retain businesses include its central location, its close proximity to the State's urban areas, its placement on Interstate 45 and major rail lines, its small town quality of life, its nearness to Lake Limestone, Fort Boggy State Park, and existing economic development organization and some strong commercial activities, including Nucor Steel, Northwestern Resources-Strip Mining, Reliant Energy, International Mill Services, the B.O.C. Industrial Gases plant, the area's agri-business and the area's small businesses. Low land cost, affordable housing and a very low tax rate add to the attractiveness as a site for business relocation or new business development as well as providing a more peaceful life-style for those wanting to "get away from it all".
The main towns of Leon County are Buffalo, Centerville, Hilltop Lakes, Jewett, Leona, Marquez, Normangee and Oakwood. Each town is governed by its own municipality. Buffalo, Centerville, Jewett, Marquez and Normangee each enjoy the benefits of local chambers of commerce and other local organizations to promote their communities and provide festivals and events of community interest. Buffalo, Centerville and Jewett each have their own economic development organizations and all of the communities join together to support the Leon County Economic Development Association.
Visitors and residents enjoy a variety of recreational activities and entertainment throughout the year: hunting, fishing, sight-seeing, rodeos and many other activities which create the best quality of life possible.
The southern border of the county is the historical "Old San Antonio Road", known as "El Camino Real" and "The King's Highway". It was the only noteworthy road in early Texas, blazed in 1691 by Spaniards from the Rio Grande across Texas to the Sabine River, a distance of more than 500 miles. Many famous Texans, (Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, etc.) entered Texas on this road. Incorporated into the state highway system as Highway 21 in 1929, historical markers and signs line its route.
The medical requirements of the county are met by the services of Powell Memorial Medial Clinic, St. Joseph's and Trinity Valley Medical Center with emergency service provided by volunteer ambulance services in Jewett and Normangee areas, Buffalo by Memorial Mother Francis of Palestine and Centerville by Texas Medical Response. There are three hospitals located within minutes of the county.
The educational needs are met by five independent school districts: Buffalo, Centerville, Leon, Normangee and Oakwood. Higher education is available within 60 miles. To the east Stephen F. Austin University, southwest Texas A & M University, west Baylor University, and south Sam Houston State University, with community colleges surrounding the county.
Transportation needs of the community are served by major highways leading to Austin, Houston and Dallas as well as communities to the east and west. A look at the map will provide "that all roads lead to Leon County". Major airports are within a two hour drive with smaller airports available just outside the county.
Special attractions in the area include the Historical Leon County Courthouse and the Jewett Flea Market. Additionally the area has many antique and small specialty shops and country stores, as well as festivals, July 4th Celebrations, Bar-b-Que Cook-offs, Leon County Opry House, Christmas Parades, Santa Claus and tours of Christmas lights.