Centerville, city in and county seat of Leon County, Texas, United States
Centerville is a small city in Leon County, Texas, situated roughly halfway between Houston and Dallas. The town centers on a courthouse square featuring a sturdy building of stone and wood with a clock tower, surrounded by shops, a library, and a veterans memorial that frame the historic core.
Centerville became the county seat in 1850, replacing Leona as the administrative center of Leon County. The town grew through the late 1800s but faced economic challenges after the railroad built a line nearby in 1872 that bypassed the town.
Centerville takes its name from its central location within Leon County. The courthouse square serves as the gathering place for the community, especially during holiday celebrations where residents come together to share food, music, and local traditions.
The city sits at the intersection of highways 7 and 75, Interstate 45, and Farm Road 1119, making it easy to reach by car. Visitors can walk the quiet streets to explore historic buildings, browse antique shops, and visit the courthouse and old jail.
Centerville is the birthplace of blues musician Lightnin' Hopkins, born here in 1902, whose musical heritage remains recognized by fans today. The town also started an annual Black-Eyed Pea Festival in 1937 to celebrate the local crop and the belief that eating these legumes brings good fortune.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
