Region: Prairies and Lakes
Pronounced "HIGH-coe." In northeastern Hamilton County, city was named by
founder Dr. John R. Alford for his hometown in Kentucky. The original site was
on Honey Creek, but when the Texas Central Railroad was built nearby, the
citizens moved 2.5 miles to the railroad line. Hico was incorporated in 1883 and
became the county's shipping center.
The downtown area, at U.S. 281 and Texas 6, features antique stores, an
artist studio, restaurants, a leather shop and more. Local musicians play free
shows here on Saturday nights. For those with a sweet tooth, the historic home
of internationally known photographer Frank Rufus Wiseman, built in 1903, houses
a chocolate company and antiques. 406 W. Grubbs Road.
One of the oldest Old Settler's Reunions, dating from 1882, is held annually
each July on the picnic grounds in the city park.