Gibbs-Powell Home and Walker County Museum

05/28/2026

05/12/2026

On this day in 1942, construction began on a German prisoner of war camp ( Camp Huntsville ) about twelve miles northeast of Huntsville in Walker County , a project that would eventually lead to the creation of the small community known as Country Campus. Built to hold nearly 4,800 prisoners, the camp functioned like a small self-contained town, complete with medical facilities, a bakery, cafeteria, barber shop, laundry, gymnasium, fire station, motor pool, and clubs for both officers and enlisted personnel. German POWs housed there were often leased out as laborers to nearby farms during the war effort.

After World War II ended, the camp officially closed on January 25, 1946. The federal government later donated the property to Sam Houston State Teachers College, now Sam Houston State University, where the site became known as the Sam Houston Country Campus. Former military buildings were transformed into dorms, classrooms, offices, and recreation areas, while buses transported students between the country campus and the main campus in Huntsville.

A post office opened there in 1948, and by 1949 the community had grown to around 1,000 residents. But over the following decades the population steadily declined. By the 1980s, only a few of the original buildings, pastureland, and a golf course remained. In 1990, Country Campus was home to just sixty residents , a quiet reminder of its unusual wartime beginnings.

05/09/2026

Join us as we celebrate 250 years of American history, pride, and community at Huntsville’s America 250 Parade! Hosted by the City of Huntsville, this festive event will take place on Friday, July 3, beginning at 7:00 PM. We invite local businesses, organizations, and community members to participate in this patriotic tradition by registering an entry that reflects the spirit of America 250. Whether you’re planning a float, marching group, or creative display, this is your opportunity to be part of a memorable evening honoring our nation’s past, present, and future. If you wish to register please visit HuntsvilleTexas.com.

05/08/2026

This week, some of our tourism partners gathered at City Council as the Mayor officially proclaimed National Travel and Tourism Week in Huntsville. ❤️

And honestly—it was a great reminder that tourism is so much bigger than vacations.

Behind every hotel stay, restaurant visit, event ticket, shopping trip, and weekend getaway is a real impact on communities like Huntsville.

In 2025, travel is projected to generate:
🇺🇸 $92 billion in state and local tax revenue nationwide
⭐ 1 in every 11 U.S. jobs
🤠 $98.7 billion in economic output for Texas while supporting more than 734,000 Texas jobs ()

That impact reaches right here in Huntsville through local businesses, jobs, community events, restaurants, attractions, and experiences that make people want to stop, stay, and come back again.

So this week, we’re celebrating the people behind it all:
The business owners.
The hospitality workers.
The attraction partners.
The event organizers.
And every traveler who chooses Huntsville.

You could go anywhere… and you chose Huntsville. And for that, we’re grateful.

Happy National Travel and Tourism Week from Visit Huntsville, TX. 🎉

04/26/2026

Everyone had a lot of fun learning about the Liberty Bell at the museum’s America 250 Story and Craft Time. If you listen really close you can hear the Liberty Bell wind chimes ringing in the breeze.

03/29/2026

Yesterday was our third America 250 class! We read about the national Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, made Patriotic Necklaces and shot off ROCKETS!!! Watch for what cool things we will be doing in April!!

03/20/2026

We are quickly coming up on our next America 250 Story and Craft Time. After reading and learning about the national anthem and pledge of allegiance, participants will make patriotic necklaces, bracelets, and rockets that we will shoot off! Sign up soon - space is limited!