GLADEWATER — Gladewater's interim city manager says he expects to see a lot more traffic in his town as it celebrates its 150th birthday this year. 

Charlie Smith said one of the goals in celebrating the sesquicentennial is to get the word out about the many things Gladewater has to offer. 

"This community is so involved with our parades, our Gusher Days — they've got all of the antiques and just everything that goes along with it," he said. "That's one of the things I think we really wanna get out, that Gladewater is a person-friendly community, and it's nice for people to come and see what we've got and participate with our festivities."

Charlie Smith - Gladewater's Interim City Manager

Smith added that Gladewater residents are proud of their heritage and the history that got the city to where it is today. 

Gladewater was established in 1873 when the Texas Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific Railroad) started expanding past Longview. It was formed as a stop to meet the water needs of passing trains. Since it was near the Sabine River and the Point Pleasant Community, it was chosen and created from lands purchased from Jarred Dean and Anderson White. The town also became part of the East Texas Oil Boom when Columbus Marion "Dad" Joiner struck gold in September 1930. 

Smith, who moved to the area 25 years ago, said Gladewater used to be packed with people on the weekends. 

"I've seen that decline through the years, but it's actually back growing," he said. "There's a lot of people that come in from out of town, you know, pull off the interstate just to see the Antique Capital."

In 1995, the state Legislature designated Gladewater as the Antique Capital of East Texas. 

Smith anticipates seeing more people visit the city and return after seeing everything it has to offer. 

Gladewater has scheduled numerous events this year to commemorate its sesquicentennial and is kicking it off with Night at the Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at The Gladewater Museum, 116 W. Pacific Ave.

Lois Reed, Gladewater Chamber of Commerce president, said she invited several special guests to attend the event, including Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and Mayor Scott Owens will be in attendance to read a proclamation.

"Not only do we have those special guests, but then all throughout the museum there's gonna be interesting people who will bring Gladewater's rich oil history ... alive for you," Reed said. 

People dressed in costumes from the past will portray historical Gladewater residents and answer questions from guests, she said. A birthday cake also will be served at the celebration, she said. 

The event is free to the public, and parking in the area is limited, Reed said. 

For information about other upcoming sesquicentennial events, visit gladewater150.com .