Discover Rhome: History and Parks

Rhome offers several clear points of interest for planning a trip: the history of the settlement, two parks with different focuses, and a church designated as a historic building that is still used for worship services. If you are looking for a hotel in Rhome, these topics can help you choose how to explore the town based on your travel interests.

From Prairie Point to Rhome

The story begins with Prairie Point, the settlement that preceded the present-day town of Rhome. A group of settlers from Missouri founded Prairie Point in the late 1850s. Prairie Point was located at the intersection of two stagecoach routes near present-day Rhome. Thus, both the founding of the predecessor settlement and its location along a historic transportation route are specific points of reference in the town’s history.

By the early 1860s, Prairie Point had a hotel, a school, and several stores. In 1883, the new settlement was named Rhome in honor of Col. Byron Crandall Rhome. The later name Rhome marks a further stage in the town’s history and should not be conflated with the earlier settlement of Prairie Point.

The gristmills are also part of the town’s history. One of them was the first roller mill in Wise County and possibly the first in Texas. Its status as the first applies to Wise County; it may have been the first in Texas.

Two Parks with Different Focuses

Rhome Family Park offers several playground facilities for children, a full-size basketball court, and a shaded walking area. If you are traveling with children, the playgrounds can be a specific point to consider when choosing where to spend time in town; the basketball court offers another recreational activity. The shaded walking area is another feature of the park. It is located at 400 S. Virginia Lane, near the Crown Point residential community.

Veterans Memorial Park serves a different purpose. Centrally located at 100 South Virginia Lane, it is a place to remember those who served the United States. A team of volunteers has maintained it for years. The park provides a quiet place to pause and honor the dead. The two parks therefore have different focuses: Family Park centers on play, basketball, and the walking area, while Veterans Memorial Park is devoted to remembrance.

Historic Designation and Present-Day Use

Rhome United Methodist Church adds a religious and historical perspective to the town’s story. It is designated as a Texas Historical Designated Building, and worship services are still held there. The designation and present-day use are two distinct features: the designation records its historic status, while the services show that the church continues to be used. For travelers interested in local history, this connection is a point of interest in its own right.

Discover more destinations: Bridgeport.

Go to the broader travel overview: Wise.