[5] Mount Vernon started as a settlement near the Fanning Springs (on Holbrook Street south of the present town square).

Hughes' land in the north part of the county led to a more diversified economy, with oil production continuing today combined with light industry, manufacturing, and diverse agricultural endeavors.

The town boasted churches, doctors, lawyers, and many varied stores in a time before people had the ability to travel far.

On the north side of the square is a classical revival 1912 white limestone courthouse with a chiming clock tower.

Over 50 homes built before World War I still stand around town and are marked with signs designating the original owners and year of construction.

[14] Housed in the 1940 WPA-financed fire station, changing exhibits from the permanent collection include nature and history displays of butterflies, bird eggs, violins, toys, seashells, antique tools, wood carvings, and Native American artifacts.

An exhibit of sports memorabilia related to the life and career of home-town boy and pro-football legend Don Meredith is also housed here.

Separate waiting rooms, designed to serve under the segregation laws at that time, today house exhibits.

The waiting room formerly restricted to White patrons houses a model train exhibit.

The large freight room houses an 1899 Studebaker covered wagon in excellent condition and offers students a chance to reflect on the real change in transportation in America after the advent of the automobile.

There is also a small 1880 log cabin that was moved onto the property, a syrup press and mill, period mule-drawn farm machinery, and a blacksmith shop.

Call 903-537-9300 to schedule a tour or visit the Fire Station Museum across the street for me information.

It passes through Franklin County and serves as Mount Vernon's Main Street and follows an early Indian trading route known as the Choctaw Trail.

The Visitor Center includes the Lowry Pavilion, which is available to rent for special outdoor occasions, and the Dupree Park Nature Preserve and Nature Trail, a mile and a half walk through the property with special marked stations for bird sightings.

Mr. & Mrs. N. E. Dupree donated approximately 4.2 acres of land to the City of Mount Vernon in July 1958 for the love and respect they had for the young people of the town and surrounding communities for the creation of a park.

[15] Franklin County is the home of spring-fed Lake Cypress Springs and is a bass fisherman's paradise.

It is surrounded by 869 acres of public parks owned and maintained by the Franklin County Water District.

Camper sites, shelters, and meeting pavilions are located in various parks at the lake, as well as a marina with water playground equipment.