Bridgeport is located in North Central Texas in Wise County at the crossroads of US 380 and Texas 114, just 68 miles Northwest of Dallas. Bridgeport and the adjoining Lake Bridgeport feature numerous recreational facilities. The town began to take root around 1860, when Colonel W.H. Hunt and Associates built a toll bridge to span the Trinity River, mainly for the Butterfield Stagecoach operations. Thirteen years later a post office was established. In the early 1900's, oil and gas were discovered in Wise County which aided in the growth and expansion of Bridgeport. The completion of a dam on the West Fork of the Trinity River gave the town its reputation as "the Gateway to Lake Bridgeport," an immensely popular recreational hot spot.
Things to do in Bridgeport
Butterfield Stage Days
Don’t miss the Butterfield Stage Days if you plan a visit to Bridgeport in May. It’s the town’s biggest annual celebration. Call 940-683-2076 for more information.
Lake Bridgeport
Lake Bridgeport is a 13,000-acre lake situated on the West Fork of Trinity River. The lake offers swimming, excellent year-round fishing, campsites, picnic areas, boat rentals, launching ramps and services at lakeside. Lake Bridgeport also serves as the site of the 3,000-acre Sid Richardson Boy Scout Camp. Lake Bridgeport is located just four miles west of Bridgeport off U.S. 380.
Texas Motor Speedway
The Speedway is the second-largest sports facility in the country. The course features dual banked turns, allowing the speedway to host both Indy-style racing and NASCAR Winston Cup stock cars. The Texas Motor Speedway is so large that eight Texas Stadiums will fit in the infield of the raceway. Several races scheduled throughout the year, as well as driving schools and other special events. The Texas Motor Speedway is located at I-35W and Tex. 114 in Justin Texas, just a few miles from Bridgeport. Call 817-215-8500 for more information.
Wise County Courthouse
Built in the late 1800’s, the Wise County Courthouse is constructed of beautiful pink granite. It’s a must see and has been noted by experts as being architecturally perfect. It is open weekdays, Monday-Friday. The Wise County Courthouse is located at 101 North Trinity, in Decatur, Texas, just a few miles from Bridgeport. Call 940-627-5743 for more information.
Wise County Heritage Museum
The Wise County Heritage Museum is housed in administration building of old Decatur Baptist College built in 1892. Exhibits include Indian artifacts, old post office fixtures from Chico community, art, and various mementos of early area history. There is also a set of archives and a small theater. The Wise County Heritage Museum is located at 1602 S. Trinity in Decatur Texas, just a few mile away from Bridgeport.