Texas has a rich history which is why you will find many historical sites in Texas to explore.
From Alamo to Casa Navarro, this state is home to a diverse range of historic landmarks that will teach you about the moments that helped shape present-day America. In this second-largest state, there are many historic places to cover including museums, monuments, parks, and more.
These historic sites in Texas are where the famous battles and events took place. The state has around 22 sites managed by Historic Sites Division. Here, you can learn about the rich history of the Lone Star State.
However, it might not be possible to visit all these historical places in Texas in a single trip. This is why we have prepared this article to help you explore the famous sites in Texas.
If you are planning a visit to the Lone Star State or live here and are looking to learn more about its history, then here are the 12 best historical sites in Texas to see!
12 Best Historical Sites In Texas You Must See
Landmark Inn, Castroville
Landmark Inn is a historic inn in Castroville and one of the top Texas historical sites to explore in the site. It was built in mid-1800s as a house and a general store by a Swiss merchant named Cesar Monod.
Later, when John Vance became the owner, a second story was added to the building along with other transformations. He called the inn the Vance Hotel and accommodated paid guests that visited Castroville.
What’s even more amazing about this historic place is that it currently serves as a bed & breakfast. It has eight historic rooms available for you to sleep in. Visitors can take a tour of this inn or spend a night here. Learn about the culture of Castroville and admire the Alsatian architecture here.
Honestly, this is one of the most fun and unique historical sites in Texas that you can visit.
San Antonio Missions
One of the top historical places in San Antonio, San Antonio Missions Park is made up of four missions. Guests can visit this park to learn more about the colonization of Texas and the history of these missions.
Learn how Spanish priests dedicated their lives to convert the Native Americans to catholics inside these missions. One of the oldest stone mission churches in Texas is Mission Conception that was preserved but unrestored.
At a distance of 2.5 miles, you will come across the other missions in this park. Out of the four missions, Mission San Jose is the largest one while Mission Espada was the first one to be built in Texas.
Trust me, this is one of the most important Texas monuments and landmarks that you must visit in San Antonio.
San Jacinto Battleground
Commemorating Texas’ final battle for independence from Mexico, Sao Jacinto Battleground is one of the top historical sites in Texas.
It was the location of the battle of San Jacinto and is home to the museum ship USS. This battleground is one of the top historical places in Houston where visitors can learn about what happened during that war in April 1836.
One of the major highlights of this park is the San Jacinto monument. It is 570 feet tall, topped with a star. There are several permanent and rotating exhibits taking place inside this monument that you can visit.
That’s not all, there is a theater at the base too. You can learn about Texas’ evolution as a part of the Wild West. Trust me, you do not want to miss visiting this park which is one of the most famous sites in Texas.
The Alamo
Located in downtown San Antonio, Alamo is one of the most famous Texas monuments to visit in the state.
This chapel, a part of the mission complex, played a major role in the colonization of Texas by the Spaniards and the independence of the state from Mexico. It is one of the top historical places in San Antonio that features a chapel and some old barracks.
Inside the chapel, you will find a museum that features artifacts from the revolution. This includes state flags and national flags of everyone who defended Texas along with their personal items as well.
From the original colonial settlement to the independence of Texas, this museum tells the history of Texas. This is why it is one of the top historical sites in Texas that you must visit.
Fort Griffin State Historic Site
Established in 1867, Fort Griffin was a US Cavalry fort and is currently one of the top historical sites in texas that you must visit.
It was originally called Camp Wilson and was built to provide protection to the settlers from Kiowa and Comanche raids. Currently, only ruins of the fort remains at this historic site which is also home to the Texas Longhorn Herd.
Visitors can explore these fort ruins in Texas which includes a mess hall, bakery, barracks, hand-dug well, and more. There are campgrounds located near Clear Fork of Brazos River where you can camp, fish, hike, or relax.
Since Fort Griffins is surrounded by ranches, there is minimum pollution here, making it the perfect place for star gazing. So, if you wish to learn about the history of Texas and relax amidst nature, then this place is the perfect choice.
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site
Fort Lancaster is one of the best Texas monuments and landmarks to explore that was built in 1855 by the United States Army.
Located in Pecos River Valley, this post played a major role in the westward expansion. It offered escorts for wagon trains, mail carriers, etc. who were going to California. This 82-acre site is open to visitors to walk amidst the ruins of over 25 buildings such as hospital, blacksmith’s shop, bakery, etc.
There is a museum exhibit also here that features several artifacts discovered during the excavation of the site.
If you visit during the right time, you might also attend an event here such as archaeology awareness or living history education day.
Washington-on-the-Brazos
One of the top historical places to visit in Texas, Washington-on-the-Brazos is a short drive from Houston.
This is the place where Texas’ Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836 and the Lone Star State was finally established. If that wasn’t enough to plan a visit here, you will also find many buildings inside this park to learn about the rich history of Texas.
Tour the Republic Museum where you will find artifacts related to the history and wildlife of this state. One of the most important historical landmarks in Texas is the Independence Hall. This is where the 59 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence where you will find artifacts to give you a glimpse of Texas 200 years ago.
Another top place to visit in the park is Barrington Plantation. Learn how the life was in 1850s by taking a tour of the house of Texas’ last president, Anson Jones. The best thing about this farm is that it gives a hands-on experience to visitors.
If you are looking for the best historical sites in Texas to explore, then Washington-on-the-Brazos is at the top of the list.
Fulton Mansion
Another one of the top Texas historic sites that you cannot miss out on exploring is the Fulton Mansion.
Featuring dark columns and trim, this mansion is one of the earliest examples of Second Empire construction and one of the top historical sites in Texas to explore. It was owned by the wealthy Fulton family where George and Harriet Fulton spent their entire life.
The house is surrounded by grass and oak trees on all sides while offering stunning views of Aransas Bay. A few highlights of this house were the flush-toilets, gas lighting, etc. that weren’t commonly found in houses in 1800s.
This is undoubtedly one of the top historical places in Texas to check out. Visitors can tour around the restored house and learn more about the life of this wealthy family in 1800s.
Casa Navarro
Casa Navarro is one of the best Texas historical sites to visit in San Antonio as it was home of the Texas patriot Jose Antonio Navarro.
Jose Navarro was a merchant and a rancher who advocated the rights of Tejano. He was also one of the first Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. This 1850s restored limestone house showcases the life of Navarro and has become one of the important historical landmarks in Texas that you must visit.
Visitors can take a tour of this limestone house, a fine example of early San Antonio architecture, and explore Navarro’s stories. From copies of his writings to stories, you will find lots of personal items in this hands-on museum.
If you are intrigued about one of the first Texans who played an important role in the state’s independence, then Casa Navarro is one of the best historical sites in Texas to visit.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Port Isabel Lighthouse was build in 1852 and is one of the best lighthouses in Texas along with being one of the most unique historical sites in Texas.
With 75 steps to the top, it is a small lighthouse but a great place to visit in Texas. Visitors can enjoy the views of South Padre Island from this lighthouse after climbing to the top of the lighthouse.
That’s not all though, it is one of the famous Texas monuments that houses small museum too. One can learn about the history of Texas’ maritime on their visit here too.
Well, for whatever reason you choose to visit, Port Isabel is a top historic site to explore in Texas.
Fort McKavett State Historic Site
If you love visiting ruins in Texas, then you should check out Fort McKavett in Menard County. This 150-year old fort is located on a remote hill and is one of the best examples of Texas Indian Wars military post.
Fort McKavett is one of the top historical places to visit in Texas as it gives you an insight about this fort and stories of the people who stayed here. Learn more about the Buffalo soldiers, infantrymen, children, women, etc. who lived at this beautiful post.
Here, you will find ruins of several buildings including the barracks, officer’s quarters, and so on. That’s not all, this historic site also offers gorgeous views of Hill Country.
Want to learn the history of early West Texas? Then, check out Fort McKavett, one of the top historical sites in Texas.
Dealey Plaza
Located in Dallas, we cannot miss out on including Dealey Plaza in our list of the best historical sites in Texas. After all, this is where President John F. Kennedy was shot dead.
As a result, this plaza has become one of the top historical places in Dallas for history buffs to explore. You can include a short visit to this plaza to check out the place where the present took his last breaths and recall moment that shook the entire nation.
If museums are your thing, you can also head to the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. From here, the shots were fired at Kennedy. Currently, there is a museum dedicated to Kennedy’s life open for visitors here.
Trust me, this is one of top places to explore in Fort Worth, Dallas.
Texas State Capitol
One of the best Texas historic sites, Texas State Capitol is an iconic building to visit in Austin.
Covering around 2.25 acres, this building constructed in Renaissance Revival style has a beautiful design that all architecture enthusiasts are going to love.
Apart from its design, it is also one of the top Austin historical sites to share the stories of how Texas came to be. Learn about the important woman public figures that made an impact over the years along with the haunting stories and legends that surround this building.
If you are interested in a short history lesson about Texas, then the State Capitol in Austin is one of the top historical sites in Texas to visit.
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