Strawn, Texas, USA

Brick Streets. Good Eats. A Great Place Where Friends Meet!

Strawn is a small community of approximately 700 residents located on Hwy 16 less than three miles off Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene. With a rich history dating back to the 1850's, the area first attracted ranchers; the development of the railroad and thriving coal industry in the area later spurred the growth of Strawn and created a melting pot of immigrants from European countries. Oil and gas development and the livestock industry remain important economic influences today.

Strawn serves as the gateway to the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. Nestled in the crook of the cedar-covered hills forming the Palo Pinto Mountain Range, this small ranching community is home to friendly people, caring neighbors and a laid-back lifestyle. In the September 2013 issue of Texas Highways Magazine, Strawn made the exclusive list of "Coolest Small Towns." Contributing to the "cool factor" is Strawn's reputation for six-man football (State champions twice) and the famous chicken fried steak from Mary's Cafe (#47 on Texas Monthly's "Texan Bucket List").

Offering affordable living and a great school system, the town is an easy commute to the DFW Metroplex or Abilene and communities in-between. For outdoor enthusiasts, beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake is less than a 30-minute drive away, as is public access to the Brazos River. The area truly is a hunters' paradise, rich in majestic views and abundant wildlife, including white tail deer, wild hog, turkey and dove.

In 2011, Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) purchased 4,300 acres just outside Strawn city limits, surrounding the town reservoir, Lake Tucker, for the creation of Texas' newest state park. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2020; however, the park is already attracting tourists by hosting star gazing parties and equestrian trail rides.

Recognizing that the future state park is a huge opportunity for Strawn, a Chamber of Commerce was established in October 2012. Since that time, the Chamber has been the driving force behind bringing various individuals and groups together to improve our community's environment.