As a result of the diverse history of the Lone Star State, there are a great number of historical sites in Texas that are worth seeing and exploring. These sites range from the legacy of the state's Spanish colonial past to the realm of the cattle kingdom.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Texas, the following are some of the most visited historical places in the state of Texas.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site in Texas
Referred to as the birthplace of Texas and located just north of Navasota, this historical treasure has several buildings to tour within the park. The Star of the Republic Museum covers the history, wildlife, and natural environment of the state. The museum also has artifacts and settings that bring the history of the state and its colonization to life.
Independence Hall sits on the park grounds, commemorating the 59 delegates who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in March of 1836. This building is just a short walk from the museum listed above.
The artifacts in the building tell the story of the Texians who met to decide self-determination. Signs found along the walking paths to and from Independence Hall tell the story of the area and give visitors a view of what this town looked like almost two centuries ago.
One of the most unique experiences at this park is Barrington Plantation, also referred to as Barrington Living History Farm. Experience what life in the 1850s was like as you tour the house and ground of the Republic of Texas’ last president, Anson Jones.
Not only is the house full of furniture and artifacts that are authentic to the time period, but, since it remains a working farm, it also allows for a hands-on experience for kids and adults that is one of a kind.
The Alamo
Few visitors arrive in Texas that have never heard of the heroic sacrifice of the Alamo. Built as part of a larger mission complex, the chapel called the Alamo, is part of both the Spanish colonization of Texas and the Texian fight for independence from Mexico.
The complex is located in the downtown part of San Antonio, it includes the chapel and the old barracks.
The Alamo complex houses a museum and artifacts from the revolution. The chapel houses the national or state flags of all the defenders, along with personal artifacts and memorabilia.
Look at the walls inside and outside the chapel which still bear witness to the shots fired during the battle.
What once was the barracks for priests and troops now houses a museum telling the story of Texas’ history from the original colonial settlement through the Texians’ battle for independence and victory.
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
Built in 1852, this lighthouse is fairly small–a mere 75 steps will bring you to the top–but it is among the most unique historical sites in Texas as well as one of the best lighthouses in Texas to visit. It’s worth visiting both to enjoy the views of South Padre Island from the top and to learn a bit about Texas’ maritime history.
In addition to climbing the lighthouse, be sure to visit the small museum next door, which is housed in a reconstructed version of the keeper’s cottage.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Four missions make up the park and help visitors better understand the history of the Spanish missions and colonization of Texas. The preservation of these missions began during the last half of the twentieth century. The missions demonstrate the mindset of the Spanish priests and their dedication to the concept of converting the Native American tribes to Catholicism.
Mission Concepcion is one of the oldest stone mission churches in Texas, and sits preserved but unrestored, capturing its unique history in Spanish Texas.
Mission San Jose is the largest of the park’s missions and has been nicknamed the “Queen of Missions” and was fully restored prior to World War II. Mission Espada was the first mission built in Texas.
The restored irrigation canals and agricultural fields of Mission San Juan give visitors a different perspective of the age of missions. Each mission is about 2.5 miles from the next, and on beautiful days in San Antonio, you can rent a bike to travel between the missions.