Region: Prairies and Lakes
Along the Texas Pioneer Trail (Texas 159) lies this city, formed by three
families of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred. They were later joined by
Germans, Czechs and other immigrants. The city had several names: Wadis Post
Office, Alexander's Voting Place and Lick Skillet (given by settlers who arrived
late for festive occasions to find nothing to eat unless they wanted to "lick
the skillet"). The community was officially named by Philip J. Shaver, who laid
out the town, for his birthplace in Fayetteville, N.C.
The 1880 precinct house in town square, with the old jail on the second
floor, was built by Fayette County residents to avoid trips to the county
courthouse in La Grange. Its Seth Thomas tower clock, donated by the Ladies Do
Your Duty Club in 1937, chimes on the hour and half-hour. Antique stores, a
restaurant and other businesses surround the town square. 979/378-2378,
979/378-2210.
Annual events include the Lickskillet Festival in October. The city is a
favorite spot for cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts alike, and
bed-and-breakfasts and guest cottages are available.