Longview couple open historic Nugget Hill home for annual Landmarks tour

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - Have you ever driven by a home and wondered, what’s in there? Well, the Gregg County Historical Museum has put together the 26 annual Landmarks of Longview for just that reason. And for the price of a ticket you can take a look inside five interesting Longview buildings.

Emma Cox, and her husband Chris, have a historic home in Nugget Hill in Longview. In fact, it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior. How do I know this? Well, it’s written on the plaque on the house. But why are the Cox’s opening up their home to strangers?

“I think we decided because it was the first home built in Nugget Hill. So, we feel like it is kind of historic in a historic neighborhood, being built first that it might be nice to let people walk through it if they interested,” Cox said.

They bought the home in 2019. It had been updated with modern wiring and plumbing in 1999. They liked the look and the feel of the home, but they did add their own touches.

“I just like old homes so I think I would love to go into everybody’s home in the neighborhood. So, I just think it’s something nice for people who are just kind of curious as to what they look like,” Cox said.

She says she’s going to try to sneak away to get a look at the other Nugget Hill home on the tour. But, according to Gregg County Historical Museum Director Jennifer White, there are more than homes in this year’s Landmarks.

“We have three homes. Two in Nugget Hill, one closer to downtown. We have the Boy Scout Hut in Teague Park, which is one of the oldest structures in Gregg County, and we have St. Anthony’s Catholic Church,” White said.

The Boy Scout Cabin has its own Historical Marker and Governor Greg Abbott was once a scout there. Although in the past the museum has provided bus service, Landmarks is now a self-guided tour hosted by museum docents.

“And you are free to go as your schedule allows,” White said.

“So, it’s B.Y.O.V.” I said.

“B.Y.O.V,” White agreed.

“Bring your own vehicle,” I said.

“There you go. Good call,” White said.

And at the Cox home be prepared for a bit of a workout. It’s three stories but the top room is worth the hike.

Landmarks of Longview is Saturday afternoon from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Tickets are 25 dollars and proceeds benefit the museum.