Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, 17552 FM 14, Tyler, TX 75706, US

SpecialtiesHistory East Texas has been known for the fine quality of its agriculture since before the Civil War. A fortuitous combination of sandy soil, year-round rainfall and moderate climate made Tyler the ideal site for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and flowering plants. The real turning point for the rose industry, however, was a blight that destroyed most of the county's peach crop. Following the devastation of the peach industry, many of the experienced nurserymen in the area turned their skills to growing roses. By the 1920's, millions of rose bushes were being grown in local fields. Tyler was rapidly gaining national prominence for rose production and soon earned the title of