Discover Kaufman: History and Christmas on the Square

Get to know Kaufman through its history, historic buildings, and an annual event. The town square, early settlement history, churches, and memorial sites each offer a different perspective. Christmas on the Square adds a holiday festival in Downtown Kaufman, while parks provide outdoor spaces.

Town Square, Downtown, and Churches

Since 1851, the town square has been the center of activity in Kaufman. Historic buildings in Downtown house restaurants, cafés, boutiques, salons, and professional service businesses. The mix of businesses may change, but the combination of historic buildings and a variety of businesses gives Downtown its character.

The churches also offer specific historical reference points. The Church of Our Merciful Saviour was built in 1909 under the leadership of Woodson Nash and his wife. The current building of First Baptist Church of Kaufman, by contrast, was dedicated on March 24, 1944. The dates therefore refer to different events: the construction of one church and the dedication of the current church building.

Another example of the area’s historic character is the Greenslade Drug Store, with its modified Spanish architecture. Together with the buildings around the town square, it shows the varied architectural history of Downtown.

From King's Fort to Early Settlement

The history of the site known as “Birthplace of City of Kaufman; Site of King's Fort” dates back to 1840, when William P. King and 40 pioneers founded it. Settlers built log cabins within King's Fort.

Another early settlement followed in January 1845. William and Nancy Kirk Love settled near King's Fort with their children at that time.

Historic Buildings and Memorial Sites

The Historic First National Bank Building was built at the town square in 1908. The gift shop features the original bank vault as a special attraction. If you would like to see it, check access before your visit, as details about the building’s features may change.

Kaufman County Veterans Memorial Park contains a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., scaled down to four-fifths of its size. The memorial honors people from Kaufman County who gave their lives for the county and its ideals. Its size and dedication make the park a distinct focus of local memorial history.

The grounds of Kaufman County Poor Farm include a pond, 19th-century buildings, other outbuildings, and historic farm equipment. The items on the grounds may change. KCHC offers tours of the Poor Farm upon request; coordinate arrangements before traveling.

Parks and Christmas on the Square

Shannon Park has covered basketball courts, a splash pad, lighting, and a walking trail. Since amenities may change, it’s worth checking in advance for the facility you plan to use. Kaufman City Lakes Park is in northeast Kaufman, off Highway 34.

Christmas on the Square is Kaufman’s annual holiday festival in Downtown. The light parade ends at Shannon Park. The program and route may change in future years. The calendar therefore offers two different ways to find your bearings: historic sites and buildings that tell the story of early settlement and the town’s later history, and a recurring festival with a specific parade destination.

Discover more destinations: Terrell, Crandall, Mabank, Forney.

For the broader travel overview: Kaufman.