Texas, a land of vast landscapes and even grander narratives, boasts a history as expansive and diverse as its geography. Unique as one of the few U.S. states to have once existed as an independent nation, Texas has been shaped by a confluence of cultures and powers. From Spanish conquistadors to Mexican revolutionaries, French diplomats to Confederate soldiers, the Lone Star State carries the echoes of many eras. For those eager to delve into the past, Texas offers a wealth of historical Top 20 Attractions to Connect With Texas History, inviting exploration from the sun-kissed Gulf Coast to the heart of the state Capitol.
Among ancient villages and iconic Spanish Missions – one in particular that every Texan is duty-bound to remember – these historic sites offer tangible connections to the people and events that forged the Texas we know today. Here are Top 20 Attractions to Connect With Texas History:
1. Walk Around Apollo Mission Control
Address: 2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, USA
Phone: +1 281-483-0123
"Houston, we have a problem." The iconic phrase resonates with the daring spirit of space exploration, and the place where those words were first uttered is right here in Texas. A visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, home to Apollo Mission Control, is a must for anyone interested in humanity’s journey beyond Earth. Tram tours take visitors behind the scenes of this pivotal center, including a stop at the historic control room (subject to availability). Explore exhibits showcasing remarkable achievements in space, including a gallery of historic spacecrafts, such as the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. Here one may connect with Texas history and appreciate the brilliance and determination that fueled these extraordinary missions.
2. Set Sail on One of the World’s Oldest Ships
Address: Pier 22 Suite, 8, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Phone: +1 409-763-1877
Journey back in time aboard the Elissa, a majestic tall ship that has graced the seas for over a century. Docked in Galveston, the Elissa is a captivating piece of maritime history. Built in 1877, this iron-hulled barque has witnessed countless voyages, traversing the waters from Scotland to Scandinavia and Greece. Today, she stands as a floating museum, meticulously restored by the Galveston Historical Foundation and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step aboard and imagine life as a sailor on the high seas, experiencing the romance and challenges of a bygone era. This is a must see for any history buff and another of the Top 20 Attractions to Connect With Texas History.
3. Visit the George Washington Carver Museum and Juneteenth Memorials
Address: 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Phone: +1 512-974-4926
Located in Austin, the George Washington Carver Museum and Genealogy Center stands as a testament to the rich and often overlooked history of African Americans in Texas. The museum’s four galleries, dance studio, and darkroom are dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American culture, history, and art. The grounds are adorned with sculptures that commemorate Juneteenth, a pivotal day in Texas history. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
4. Imagine American Antiquity at the Caddo Mounds
Address: 1649 TX-21, Alto, TX 75925-5739, USA
Phone: +1 936-858-3218
Venture into the past at the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site near Alto, where the echoes of an ancient civilization resonate. Thousands of years ago, this site was home to the Caddo people, a sophisticated indigenous culture with intricate social, political, and religious systems. Explore the preserved mounds, remnants of ceremonial platforms and dwellings, and gain insights into the Caddo’s interactions with other Native American groups across the continent. While a tornado in 2019 damaged the visitor center, the mounds remain, offering a glimpse into a rich pre-Columbian heritage. Reconstruction is underway, including a new grass house.
5. Remember the Alamo at the San Antonio Mission
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Phone: +1 210-225-1391
"Remember the Alamo!" This rallying cry reverberates through Texas history, forever linked to the iconic mission in San Antonio. The Alamo stands as a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the fight for Texas independence. Explore the historic grounds, stand within the walls where Texan defenders made their stand against overwhelming odds, and reflect on the events of the 1836 siege. Beyond the Alamo, discover the other San Antonio Missions – San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion – each a testament to the Spanish colonial era and the cultural exchange between missionaries and indigenous populations. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing a significant chapter in Texas’s past.
6. Learn the Law at the Texas State Capitol
Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
Phone: +1 512-463-4630
Completed in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, the Texas Capitol building in Austin stands as a majestic symbol of governance and history. Open to the public daily, the Capitol offers a fascinating glimpse into the legislative process and the state’s political heritage. Wander through the halls, admire the historical artwork, and learn about the figures who have shaped Texas law. Visit the House and Senate Chambers, the original Governor’s Office, and the old Supreme Court Courtroom. The 22-acre Capitol Complex also includes the Texas Capitol Visitors Center and a gift shop.
7. Discover History at the San Jacinto Monument and Museum
Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte, TX 77571, USA
Phone: +1 281-479-2421
Rising majestically above the San Jacinto Battleground, the San Jacinto Monument commemorates the decisive battle that secured Texas independence. This 567-foot-high column stands as a tribute to General Sam Houston’s victory over the Mexican army in 1836. Visit the San Jacinto Museum of History at the base of the monument to learn about the events leading up to the battle and its significance in Texas history. Explore the battleground itself, marked with historical markers, and enjoy the surrounding recreational park.
8. Take a Tour of Bishop’s Palace
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Phone: +1 409-762-2475
Step into the opulence of the Gilded Age with a tour of Bishop’s Palace in Galveston. Completed in 1892, this Victorian-style mansion is a masterpiece of architecture and design. Also known as Gresham’s Castle, the palace boasts over 19,000 square feet of lavish decor and furnishings from the 1800s. Marvel at the intricate details, the stained-glass windows, and the ornate woodwork. Bishop’s Palace offers a glimpse into the lives of Galveston’s elite during a time of prosperity and grandeur.
9. Set Sail on the Battleship Texas
A veteran of both World Wars, the Battleship Texas, built in 1910, is a tangible link to the nation’s military past. Moored at the San Jacinto Historical Site, this historic vessel is open for public tours. Explore the decks, peer into the engine room, and imagine life aboard this formidable warship. The Battleship Texas played a crucial role in both World Wars, crossing the Atlantic and providing support during key battles in North Africa, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. It was the first American battleship to utilize anti-aircraft guns and launch aircraft from the sea.
10. Relive History at Washington-on-the-Brazos
Address: 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Phone: +1 936-878-2214
Washington-on-the-Brazos is the birthplace of Texas independence. It was here that the Convention of 1836 signed the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. The site also served as the capital of the Republic of Texas during its early years. Today, Washington-on-the-Brazos is a sprawling park that combines historical sites with natural beauty. Visit the Barrington Living History Farm, once owned by Anson Jones, the last president of Texas, and the Star of the Republic Museum, dedicated to the history of the Republic of Texas.
11. Overlook the Sea at the Point Isabel Lighthouse
Address: 421 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel, TX 78578, USA
Phone: +1 956-943-0735
Climb the spiraling stairs of the Point Isabel Lighthouse in Port Isabel, one of the oldest towns in Texas, for panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. Built in the 1850s, this historic lighthouse guided mariners along the Lower Texas Coast through the Civil War and beyond. It is the only one of the 16 lighthouses constructed along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas open to the public. From the top, you can see South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and the Laguna Madre Bay. Explore the nearby Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum for more insights into the region’s maritime past.
12. Go International at the French Legation
Address: 802 San Marcos St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Phone: +1 737-226-1399
Discover a unique chapter in Texas history at the French Legation State Historic Site in Austin. From 1836 to 1846, the Republic of Texas was recognized as an independent nation by countries around the world, and many established legations in the state. The French Legation, built in 1841, served as the home for the French diplomat responsible for coordinating international relations. Explore the historic building and learn about the diplomatic ties between Texas and France during this period.
13. Explore an Early Settlement at San Felipe de Austin
Address: 220 2nd St, San Felipe, TX 77473, USA
Phone: +1 979-885-2181
Step back in time at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, where Stephen F. Austin established the headquarters for his colony in 1823. This settlement played a pivotal role in the early development of Texas. Although the original colony was burned down during the Runaway Scrape of 1836, visitors can now explore the on-site museum, wander the historic grounds, and see replicated cabins that evoke the life of the early settlers.
14. Discover Political Influence of the Sam Rayburn House
Address: 890 W TX-56, Bonham, TX 75418, USA
Phone: +1 903-583-5558
Delve into the life and legacy of Sam Rayburn, one of the most influential statesmen of the 20th century, at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham. Rayburn served in the United States Congress for 48 years and held the position of Speaker of the House for 17 years. Tour his 1916 home, where his original furniture, photographs, and personal belongings remain, providing a glimpse into his life and career.
15. Take a Stand at Fort Lancaster
Address: Fort Lancaster, TX 79781, USA
Explore the ruins and recreated buildings of Fort Lancaster, a military outpost established in 1855 to protect the Lower El Paso-San Antonio Road from Native American raids. Located in the Pecos River Valley near Sheffield, Fort Lancaster offers a glimpse into the challenges and realities of frontier life in Texas.
16. Walk Through War at the Fannin Battleground
Address: 734 FM 2506, Victoria, TX 77905, USA
Phone: +1 361-278-3673
Reflect on the sacrifices made during the Texas War for Independence at the Fannin Battleground State Historic Site. This site commemorates the Battle of Coleto Creek and the subsequent execution of Texan soldiers by the Mexican army in Goliad. Walk through the interpretive exhibit, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and pay your respects at the large stone obelisk marking the spot where Colonel James W. Fannin surrendered.
17. Explore the Varner-Hogg Plantation
Address: 1702 N 13th St, West Columbia, TX 77486-2300, USA
Phone: +1 979-345-4656
Uncover the complex history of the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site in West Columbia. Originally established by early Texas pioneers and later owned by Governor James S. Hogg, the plantation offers insights into the lives of both the landowners and the enslaved African Americans who played a vital role in its development. Tour the historic mansion, learn about the plantation’s past, and reflect on the stories of those who lived and worked there.
18. Relive the Civil War at the Sabine Pass Battleground
Address: 6100 Dick Dowling Rd, Sabine Pass, TX 77655, USA
Phone: +1 409-332-8820
Explore the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site in Port Arthur, a significant site from the American Civil War. Learn about the Confederate victory at Sabine Pass in 1863, where Lieutenant Richard Dowling and his men successfully defended the port from Union forces. Explore the interpretive pavilion, see a statue of Lieutenant Dowling, and even witness a reenactment of the battle.
19. See the Longhorns at Fort Griffin
Address: Fort Griffin, TX 76483, USA
Visit Fort Griffin State Historic Site in Albany, a former military fort that played a role in the westward expansion of Texas. Explore the remnants of the fort, including the mess hall, barracks, and bakery. Fort Griffin is also home to the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd, a unique opportunity to see these iconic animals up close.
20. Tour the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. The Top 20 Attractions to Connect With Texas History is the only museum in America entirely dedicated to retelling the history of American actions in the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters during World War II. The museum campus houses a Memorial Courtyard, the Plaza of Presidents, and the Japanese Garden of Peace, along with exhibits on the many battles fought across the Pacific.
