Carved out of the virgin East Texas forest in the early days of Texas statehood, Gilmer has a diverse and rich history, evolving from a center of cotton production to a town enjoying a lumbering boom at the dawn of the 20th century. Many associate the city with its well-known fall festival-the East Texas Yamboree-celebrated annually during the third weekend of October. Created to publicize the production of sweet potatoes in the sandy soils of the county, the Yamboree has adapted to changing times as it continues into its eighth decade. Proud of their traditions, the people of Gilmer and the surrounding Upshur County face the challenges of the 21st century with confidence in what they have accomplished.