Our Community

Our origins were humble. The temporary settlement of Hogtown was the first settlement of "Canadian". When settlers scouted for the permanent settlement, they chose an area 5 miles west of Hogtown on the mouth of Red Deer Creek. This was the beginning for Canadian.

Hemphill County was named for Judge John Hemphill, 1803-1862, a confederate and US Senator. Before 1887, Hemphill County was known as a division of Hemphill County of Wheeler County, Texas. In 1887, a delegation of citizens drew up a petition to go before the Judge of Wheeler County, petitioning for the separation of Hemphill County from the jurisdiction of Wheeler.

Our Museum

The River Valley Pioneer Museum opened in November, 1986. The museum houses more than seven thousand artifacts provided by just under three hundred donors. More than three thousand people visit the museum annually, and with the completion of the new TxDOT visitor information center in 2004, visitation is expected to increase substantially. The museum is supported by grants and by the generous contributions from the 147 people who are members of the museum organization. Nineteen lifetime members have been recognized for their support of the museum and its mission.

The museum is adorned with two murals, completed in 1991 and 1994. Wall track lighting, a sound system, raised stage platforms, and mobile displays all help to make the facility excellent for historical interpretation and for local events. A student art show, an "Artist of the Month," an Old Timers Reunion and Barbecue, the Fall Foliage Quilt Show, and the Ladies' Hat Luncheon are all regular events sponsored by the museum. The museum also sponsors an annual Gala and Silent Auction Fundraiser

The museum also has a gift shop, with attractive items for kids and adults. Check our postcards, postcards, postcards!

River Valley Pioneer Museum
rvmuseum@cebridge.net
PO Box 1201
118 N. 2nd
Canadian, TX 79014
(806) 323-6548

Hours of operation:
Tuesday - Friday 9am - 12 noon, 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays - 1pm - 3pm