Region: Prairies and Lakes
Bowie is the largest city in Montague County. When the railroad was built
through the area in 1882, local settlers moved to the construction camps, and
businesses appeared in canvas tents. A town site was laid out, and residents
applied for a post office to be named for James Bowie. In 1867, Montague County
was the last Texas county traildrivers crossed on their way to the Chisholm
Trail and north to cattle markets. Today, the city is a center for industry,
ranching, agriculture, oil and retail trade.
Local businesses include antiques, gift shops, tea rooms, an old-fashioned
soda fountain and drug store, home-style cooking, bed-and-breakfasts, history
and more. Annual celebrations include the Allure of Light Antique Lamp Show, Jim
Bowie Days Rodeo, Parade and Festival, Indian Artifacts Show, Chuck Wagon
Cook-Off Expo, Bluegrass Round-Up and Festival, and Classic Car Show.
The city operates Second Monday Trade Days, a three-day market on the weekend
before the second Monday of each month. More than 600 vendors are on hand in
Pelham Park for the longest-running flea market in North
Texas.