79th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage
“Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future”
April 30 – May 3, 2026
With great pride, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club presents the 79th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage, Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future. Jefferson, nestled along the Big Cypress Bayou, welcomes visitors to explore its beautifully restored historic homes, lush gardens, and enduring Southern charm. Join us as we honor Jefferson’s rich heritage while looking forward to a vibrant future.
Jefferson Pilgrimage Events
Home and Garden Tours.
Three beautiful homes, The Magnolias, The Ochiltree Place, and Secession Hall, will be open for visitors between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd. Docents, dressed in period costumes, will greet visitors to the homes, giving the history of the homes and the Jefferson families who built and lived in them through the years. Garden Tours: Gardens include, Singleton’s Virginia Cross Garden-Weldon and Mary Nash, The Dotson Home Place Garden-Tracy and Janet Graham , and Windsong Garden-Tony and Marsha Jones which will be open for visitors to enjoy between the hours of 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd. Home and Garden Tour Tickets may be purchased at Pilgrimage Headquarters in front of the Excelsior House, 211 W. Austin Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day of Pilgrimage weekend. Cost is $25 each. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.jefferson-pilgrimage.com/buy-tickets for a discounted price of $24 each. Tickets are non-refundable.
Diamond Bessie Murder Trial
The 72nd Diamond Bessie Murder Trial kicks off Pilgrimage with the first of 5 performances beginning on Thursday evening, April 30th, at 7:30 p.m. Other performances of the play are on Friday, May 1st, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2nd, at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. This captivating drama is based on the true story of a murder and a subsequent trial which occurred in Jefferson in 1877. All performances of the play are held in the Jefferson Playhouse at the corner of Market and Henderson streets. Tickets for the 72nd Diamond Bessie Murder Trial may be purchased beginning February 1, 2026, by calling the Diamond Bessie ticket-line 903-665-0737. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly advised. Tickets are non-refundable.
Pilgrimage Grand Ballroom Salad Luncheon
After the Saturday morning parade, a delicious salad luncheon will be served in the Grand Ballroom and Courtyard of the Excelsior House. Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club members provide and serve the delectable luncheon from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $20. Reservations for this luncheon are encouraged; visit
www.jefferson-pilgrimage.com/buy-tickets. Online Luncheon ticket sales will end May 1st. Tickets are non-refundable.
Parade
At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd, an array of floats, old cars, buggies, bands and horses will make its way through town.
This year’s Pilgrimage Parade proudly honors six organizations whose service and dedication continue to shape the heart of Jefferson and Marion County.
Our 2026 Grand Marshals—the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Jefferson Carnegie Library, Jefferson Historical Museum, Historic Jefferson Foundation, and the Marion County Diversified & Social Concerns Organization—represent the spirit of community, preservation, and progress that defines our town.
The Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Marion County Diversified & Social Concerns Organization exemplify selfless community service, enriching local life through leadership and compassion. The Jefferson Carnegie Library, established in 1907, stands as one of only four operating Carnegie libraries in Texas. The Jefferson Historical Museum preserves our shared story through treasured memorabilia, while the Historic Jefferson Foundation works tirelessly to safeguard and share the architectural and cultural heritage of our beloved community.
It is with gratitude and pride that we celebrate these six organizations as our 2026 Grand Marshals, honoring their ongoing commitment to Jefferson’s past, present, and future.
Go to the Parade Page for more information.
Plant Sale
The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s plant sale is located on the porch of the Excelsior House. The Plant Sale committee continues to add surprises to the sale for 2026. The sale contains many reasonably priced plants, some of which have been started from cuttings of local heirloom plants by the members of the club. Take time to browse from Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd. Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm
Variety of plants available that thrive in East Texas.
Shop for May 11th Mother’s Day gifts
Artisan Craft Fair
Enjoy goodies the Craft Fair vendors have to offer. Set up in William Perry Park adjacent to the Excelsior House. The Craft Fair will be open 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd, and 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3rd.
Heritage Quilt Exhibit
The quilt exhibit will be held in the beautiful First Methodist Church, 305 West Henderson in Jefferson, Texas. This outstanding collection of quilts is free and open to the public Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Jay Gould Railroad Car
Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Sunday, May 3, 2026
Located on bustling Austin Street across from the historic Excelsior House Hotel, the Atalanta is the lavish private railcar of New York railroad magnate Jay Gould. Built in 1886, this opulent car reflects the luxury and influence of America’s Gilded Age. Visitors can step aboard and experience the elegant furnishings and craftsmanship that defined travel for one of the nation’s most powerful industrialists.
Learn how this remarkable piece of history found its way to Jefferson, Texas, and why it remains one of the town’s most treasured attractions.
Tickets for the Jay Gould Railcar can be purchased HERE!
Other attractions
Our small city is rich with historic preservation. Stroll along the brick streets of Jefferson, shop in the many unique antique and gift shops, visit the museums, visit historic Oakwood Cemetery, enjoy a ride on Jefferson Belle, visit historic churches and stay in our historic hotel, the Excelsior House, which has been in continuous operation since 1858, or stay in a bed and breakfast, and dine in our fine restaurants. Most of Jefferson’s attractions are located within a compact historical district ideally suited for walking. All are available for your enjoyment.
For more information, visit our website:
jefferson-pilgrimage.com. Email jeffersonpilgrimage@gmail.com, or call 903-452-3836. Visit the Excelsior House web site: theexcelsiorhouse.com. Email excelsiorhousehotel@gmail.com or call
903 665-2513.