Welcome to Bruce Park in Wills Point, Texas, a place rich with history and charm. Established as a tribute to the town’s founding, Bruce Park holds the original log cabin residence of William Wills, the town’s namesake. William Wills, an early American settler, arrived in the area around 1848 and played a pivotal role in the development of what would become Wills Point. He purchased 320 acres of land and built corrals and a supply depot, offering his log cabin as a stopover for travelers along the Dallas-Shreveport Road.
As you stroll through Bruce Park, imagine the bustling activity of the mid-19th century, when travelers and traders would have passed through, stopping for rest and supplies. The park is designed to resemble the stage stop as it would have looked in 1848, with the historical log cabin as its centerpiece.
Over time, Wills Point evolved from a simple stagecoach stop into a thriving community. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further cemented its importance as a transportation hub. The town embraced progress while holding onto its historical roots, as seen in its historic district with charming brick streets and the preserved railway depot museum.
Bruce Park not only serves as a reminder of the town’s beginnings but also as a community gathering place, a green space where the stories of the past meet the lives of the present. As you walk through, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of William Wills and the generations that followed, contributing to the rich tapestry of life in East Texas.
