Big Sandy was founded in the 1800’s when the railroad constructed a junction switch here, and the trains still run down those lines. Big Sandy is located at the crossroads of East Texas and the intersection of Hwy. 80 and Highway. 155. Interstate Highway 20 is 10 miles South.

Within our city limits and a five minute drive for residents are: A grocery store; discount store; gas stations; convenience stores; medical clinic; hair salons; banks; post office; automotive garages; shops; movie rental store; dance hall; liquor stores; laundry-mat; newspaper office; day care; a small lake; city park; public schools; and many churches of all denominations.

Because Big Sandy is at the crossroads of East Texas, it is an easy 30 minute drive to Tyler and Longview, where there are thousands of stores, shops, restaurants, and businesses; including every chain store and eatery imaginable. Casinos are approx. 75 miles east in Louisiana. Dallas is about an hour and a half away. Several regional and small airports are short drives from Big Sandy.

Big Sandy is a brief drive (approx. 30 min. or less) to: Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Tyler State Park, Hawkins Lake, East Texas Oil Museum, Gladewater Rodeo, The Great American Balloon Glow, The Gilmer Yamboree, The Tyler Rose Gardens, Tyler Azalea Trail, Vineyards at Pittsburg, and many, many, small-town festivals throughout the year that are family oriented and often free.

The Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce sponsors a 4^th of July Parade and fireworks show, a Christmas Parade, a Fall Heritage Festival, and an Easter Egg Hunt. The Rotary has an annual golf tournament (golf course 5 minutes away).

The Big Sandy Ministerial Alliance conducts several activities throughout the year as joint ventures including dinners, a non-denominational Easter Sunrise Service, a Christmas Church Walk, a community-wide Thanksgiving dinner, a Vacation Bible School, and the operation of a charity food bank and thrift store.

For sportsmen, there are over 31 fresh water lakes in the East Texas Area that provide the opportunity for fishing and water sports within minutes of Big Sandy. People have pulled 13 pound bass out of the small lake here in town. Deer, squirrel, and wild hogs abound in the woods around us. There are many campgrounds for weekend enjoyment.

Opportunities for higher education are short drives away with Tyler Jr. College, University of Texas at Tyler, Kilgore Jr. College, LeTourneau University, and Jarvis Christian College very close.

There is 24 hour a day police and ambulance service, and a Volunteer Fire Dept., even though we are a community with a population of only 1,288.

Hospitals within 30 miles or closer include: The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, Trinity Mother Frances Health System, ETMC Regional Health-Care System, ETMC Gilmer, and Longview Regional Hospital.

Big Sandy has a small town atmosphere with big city conveniences. Children in our public schools here are not just “someone’s child”’ they are our neighbor’s children, and our own. Come visit and stay awhile-We welcome new faces.