Beaumont: The Hidden Gem of Southeast Texas

• HelloHowdy
  [hahw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-tur]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank you
  [pleez and thankyuh]
• Thank youThanks a bunch
  [thanks uh bunch]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahr-dun me]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw yawl doin]
• Fine. And you?Just fine. How 'bout you?
  [just fahyn. how bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-lish]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [ah aint kach-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out thuh menu]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [ah doant doh meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, please
  [ahll set-uhl up pleez]

• Help!SOS!
  [ess-oh-ess]
• Go away!Git!
  [jit]
• Call the Police!Ring up the Po-Po!
  [ring up thuh po-po]
• Call a doctor!Get a sawbones!
  [get uh saw-bohns]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [ahm turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI'm under the weather
  [ahm under thuh weh-thur]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll buy...
  [ah reckon ahl buy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [wuts thuh dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's high-priced
  [thats hai-prahst]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [kan yuh kut me uh deel]

• What time is it?What's the clock say?
  [wuts thuh klok say]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its wun]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [mawrnin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [aft-ur-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ee-vuh-nin]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-duh]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tuh-mor-ur]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [fawr]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [ayt]
• 9Nine
  [nahn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [wheres thuh at]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whuts thuh add-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kan yuh point it out on thuh map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) comin'?
  [whens thuh next bus cum-in]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh tick-et to]

Beaumont was founded in 1835 by Henry Millard, Joseph Pulsifer, and Thomas B. Huling who purchased a tract of land along the Neches River. The city was named after Mary Dewburleigh Barlace Warren Beaumont, the wife of Henry Millard’s partner. Initially, Beaumont thrived as a lumber and rice-milling town.

In 1862, Beaumont experienced a devastating fire that destroyed a large portion of the town's business district. This event significantly impacted the local economy, but the resilient citizens rebuilt the town, leading to a period of growth and development in the following years.

On January 10, 1901, the Lucas Gusher blew at Spindletop Hill, just south of Beaumont. This event marked the birth of the modern petroleum industry, as the gusher produced an unprecedented amount of oil. The discovery led to a boom in the local economy, transforming Beaumont into a major industrial center.

The development of the Port of Beaumont in the early 20th century significantly contributed to the city's growth. The port became one of the largest commercial ports in the United States, facilitating international trade and further establishing Beaumont as an economic hub.

Beaumont's fertile land and favorable climate made it an ideal location for rice cultivation. By the mid-20th century, the city became one of the leading rice producers in the country. The rice industry played a crucial role in the local economy and remains an important part of Beaumont's agricultural heritage.

Throughout the 20th century, Beaumont developed a rich cultural scene. The city became home to several museums, theaters, and performing arts venues. Notable institutions include the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Julie Rogers Theatre, and the historic Jefferson Theatre, which has hosted numerous significant cultural events over the years.

Beaumont played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1943, the city was the site of a significant race riot, which highlighted the tensions and struggles faced by African Americans in the region. The events led to increased efforts towards racial equality and civil rights activism within the community.

In recent decades, Beaumont has continued to evolve, blending its rich history with modern developments. The city has invested in infrastructure, education, and cultural institutions, making it a vibrant community that honors its past while looking towards the future.

Beaumont is accessible via several main routes. The closest major airport is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, about 90 miles west of Beaumont. From the airport, you can rent a car or use shuttle services to reach Beaumont. Alternatively, Beaumont Municipal Airport caters to private flights. Amtrak also provides rail service to Beaumont via the Sunset Limited line, and Greyhound offers bus services connecting Beaumont to various cities.

Beaumont has a variety of transportation options. The Beaumont Municipal Transit System (BMT) operates local bus routes throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are abundant. Many of the city's attractions are within a short driving distance, making a car a convenient option.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Beaumont, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful if you need to withdraw cash. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case you encounter places that don't accept cards.

Beaumont is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant. Areas like the South End and the Old Town neighborhood have higher crime rates, particularly at night, so it's best to avoid these areas after dark. Always be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Beaumont has several medical facilities, including Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth. It's a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably due to the humid climate, but avoid overly revealing clothing in more conservative settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do follow the rules and be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi.' Texans are known for their hospitality. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Texan cuisine, but don't forget to tip your server, as tipping is customary.

To experience Beaumont like a local, visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum to learn about the oil boom history. Explore the local food scene, especially barbecue and seafood. Take a stroll through the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and the Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands. Engage with locals at the farmers' markets and enjoy live music at one of the city's many venues.