Hemphill is a major center for lumber and is Sabine county
seat. Hemphill saw its first residents in 1858 as they recognized the potential
of its vast forests. In fact Hemphill is adjacent to more than 160,000 acres
of Sabine National Forest. The Hemphill area is a popular destination for
picnics, bird watching, camping, boating, swimming, fishing and hunting.
There are also many walking trails in the Hemphill area. Columbia Astronauts
Memorial is also in Hemphill at the intersection of Highway 87 and 83. Local
attractions include Hemphill Courthouse built in the 1900's and located
in Hemphill Courthouse Square alongside the historic county jailhouse now
converted to provide a library and act as a museum with artifacts and records
from past events in Hemphill on display. A gallows has stood for more than
eighty years in Hemphill. The old cedar tree in Hemphill provides shelter
for people playing dominoes. Nearby to Hemphill is the Cypress Bend Golf
Resort and Conference Center with excellent hotel and convention facilities
and popular Spa.
