Texas, known for its sprawling landscapes, cowboy culture, and energy industry, holds a distinct place in the story of America. The Lone Star State’s heritage is as vast as its size, shaped by pivotal events like the Texas Revolution, its time as an independent republic, and its annexation into the United States. From the Battle of the Alamo to the emergence of cattle ranching and oil booms, Texas has been the stage for moments that defined its identity and influenced the nation’s history. Today, these historic events are preserved at numerous sites across the state. Here are ten must-see historic landmarks that bring Texas’s remarkable past to life.
1. The Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo, initially called Mission San Antonio de Valero, was founded in 1718 as the earliest Spanish mission in San Antonio. It later became a military fortification and is most renowned for the pivotal 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, where approximately 200 Texan defenders, including figures like James Bowie and Davy Crockett, held the mission against over 2,500 Mexican troops led by General Santa Anna. Although the defenders were ultimately overrun, their sacrifice became a rallying cry, “Remember the Alamo!” fueling the fight for Texas independence.
The Alamo attracts today over 1.6 million visitors annually. Guests can explore the historic chapel, the Long Barrack Museum, and the Alamo Gardens. Notable exhibits include the Phil Collins Collection, featuring artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and the “Wall of History,” which chronicles the site’s extensive past.
Admission to the Alamo Church is free, though reservations are recommended to preserve this historic site. Guided tours are available for a more immersive experience.
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2. San Jacinto Monument and Battleground, La Porte
The San Jacinto Monument and Battleground in La Porte commemorate the decisive Battle of San Jacinto, where Texian forces secured Texas’s independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836. The monument, standing at 567 feet, is the world’s tallest masonry column, crowned with a 34-foot Lone Star symbolizing Texas.
You can explore the San Jacinto Museum of History located at the monument’s base, which offers exhibits on Texas’s rich cultural heritage and the Texas Revolution. The observation deck offers sweeping, 360-degree views of the battleground and the Houston Ship Channel.
The 1,200-acre battleground park offers self-guided tours, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing opportunities. Guided van tours are available, providing in-depth historical context of the battle and the Texas Revolution.
3. State Capitol Building, Austin
Completed in 1888, this Renaissance Revival masterpiece was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and stands 311 feet tall, surpassing the U.S. Capitol by 14 feet.
Constructed from “Sunset Red” granite, the Capitol’s distinctive hue adds to its majestic presence. The building encompasses 360,000 square feet, housing the chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Governor’s office.
You’ll have the chance to witness the Capitol’s interior, featuring a stunning rotunda adorned with portraits of past presidents of the Republic of Texas and governors of the state. Complimentary guided tours are provided, delivering valuable insights into Texas politics, history, and the building’s architectural features.
The surrounding 22-acre grounds are home to over 20 monuments, historic buildings, and beautifully landscaped lawns, providing a serene environment for reflection and learning.
The Capitol Visitors Center, located in the restored General Land Office Building, offers additional exhibits and information to enhance your visit.
4. Big Bend National Park Fossil Discovery Exhibit, Big Bend
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park offers a captivating journey through 130 million years of geological history. Opened in 2017, this open-air, off-grid pavilion showcases the park’s rich paleontological heritage, featuring life-sized bronze skulls and replicas of ancient creatures that once inhabited the region.
Among its most captivating features is the Quetzalcoatlus, a replica of one of the largest flying creatures ever discovered. The exhibit’s sustainable design utilizes solar power and rainwater collection, reflecting a deep respect for the surrounding environment. With shaded picnic areas and fossil-themed climbing structures for children, it’s a perfect destination for families and enthusiasts alike.
5. Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis
Tucked away amidst the rugged landscapes of West Texas, Fort Davis National Historic Site stands as a testament to the frontier military history of the United States. Established in 1854, the fort played a pivotal role in safeguarding emigrants, mail coaches, and freight wagons traversing the perilous San Antonio-El Paso Road and the Chihuahua Trail.
Strategically positioned within a canyon flanked by sheer rock walls, Fort Davis was named in honor of then U.S. Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis. The fort’s primary mission was to protect travelers from potential threats posed by Native American tribes, including the Apache and Comanche. During the Civil War, the fort was temporarily abandoned but was reoccupied in 1867.
A notable aspect of Fort Davis’s legacy is its association with the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American regiments established after the Civil War. These soldiers were stationed at the fort and played a crucial role in its operations, contributing significantly to the military efforts in the region.
When you visit Fort Davis National Historic Site, you can explore 24 restored historic buildings and over 100 ruins and foundations, offering a comprehensive glimpse into 19th-century military life. The site provides self-guided tours, with several buildings refurbished to their 1880s appearance.
While there is no lodging or camping available within the historic site, accommodations can be found in the nearby town of Fort Davis or at the adjacent Davis Mountains State Park.
6. El Paso Mission Trail
The El Paso Mission Trail is a historic 9-mile corridor in El Paso County’s Mission Valley, rich in over 400 years of history. It features three of Texas’s oldest churches: the Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Chapel.
The Ysleta Mission, established in 1680, is the oldest continuously active parish in Texas. It reflects a blend of Native American and Spanish design, symbolizing the deep cultural heritage of the Tigua people.
The Socorro Mission, founded in 1691, showcases Spanish colonial architecture and serves as a testament to the resilience of the Piro, Tano, and Jemez tribes who sought refuge in the area.
The San Elizario Chapel, built in 1789, was originally a presidio (fort) chapel and played a significant role in the region’s military and religious history. Today, it stands as a symbol of the area’s rich past.
Visitors can begin their journey at the Mission Valley Visitor Center, located across from the Ysleta Mission at 9065 Alameda Ave., El Paso, TX 79907.
7. Battleship Texas State Historic Site, La Porte
The Battleship Texas, launched in 1912 and commissioned in 1914, holds the distinction of being the sole remaining battleship to have participated in both World War I and World War II. Throughout her service, she was at the forefront of naval innovation, participating in significant battles across multiple theaters, including North Africa, Normandy, Southern France, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Remarkably, during her extensive combat operations, the ship suffered only one combat fatality.
In 1948, the Battleship Texas was decommissioned and presented to the State of Texas to serve as a museum and memorial, becoming the nation’s first battleship memorial museum. She was permanently moored near the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Texas, where she remained a popular attraction for decades.
In August 2022, the ship was moved to a shipyard in Galveston for extensive restoration efforts aimed at preserving her structural integrity and historical authenticity. As of January 2025, the restoration is ongoing, with plans to relocate the Battleship Texas to a new permanent berth upon completion. Potential future locations include Galveston, Baytown, and Beaumont, with a decision expected in 2025.
While the ship undergoes restoration, public tours are limited. However, the Battleship Texas Foundation offers updates and information on special events and viewing opportunities.
8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching approximately 120 miles in length and reaching depths of up to 800 feet.
Located in the Texas Panhandle near the city of Canyon, this natural wonder offers visitors a glimpse into millions of years of geological history, with its vibrant layers of red, orange, and yellow sedimentary rock formations.
The park encompasses over 27,000 acres, providing a diverse range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, with the iconic Lighthouse Trail leading to the park’s most famous rock formation, the Lighthouse.
Camping options are plentiful, including campsites with water and electricity, primitive sites, and cabins situated along the canyon rim and floor.
The area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Apache, Comanche, and Kiowa. In the late 19th century, it was the site of the Red River War, which led to the relocation of these tribes to reservations. The park itself was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose craftsmanship is still evident in many of the park’s facilities and trails.
For those planning a visit, the park is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. An entrance fee of $8 per person is required, with children 12 and under admitted free. It’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability of campsites and to check for any park alerts or closures.
9. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City and Stonewall
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, encompassing areas in both Johnson City and Stonewall, offers an immersive journey into the life and legacy of the 36th President of the United States. This park provides a comprehensive view of President Johnson’s personal and political journey, from his ancestral roots to his final resting place.
In Johnson City, visitors can explore President Johnson’s Boyhood Home, meticulously restored to its 1920s appearance, offering insights into his early life. Nearby, the Johnson Settlement showcases his grandparents’ log cabin and cattle operation, reflecting the pioneering spirit of his forebears. The Visitor Center here provides exhibits and films detailing Johnson’s life and the broader context of 20th-century America.
Located near Stonewall, the LBJ Ranch, often referred to as the “Texas White House,” served as the President’s retreat and a working cattle ranch. Visitors can embark on a self-guided driving tour of the ranch, which includes significant sites such as:
- Reconstructed Birthplace: A faithful reconstruction of Johnson’s birthplace, offering a glimpse into his early beginnings.
- Johnson Family Cemetery: The final resting place of President Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson.
- Texas White House: While the house itself is currently closed for renovations, the surrounding grounds remain accessible.
To begin the ranch tour, visitors must obtain a free driving permit and map at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center, located at 199 State Park Road 52 in Stonewall.
10. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, is a significant historical site dedicated to the life, legacy, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building, the museum occupies the very space from which, according to official accounts, Lee Harvey Oswald fired the fatal shots on November 22, 1963.
The museum’s main exhibit, “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation,” utilizes historic films, photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding the assassination, the subsequent investigations, and the enduring impact on the nation.
You can explore the preserved sixth-floor space, which includes a reconstruction of the sniper’s perch, offering a poignant insight into that tragic day. The museum also addresses various conspiracy theories, presenting information without endorsing any particular viewpoint, allowing visitors to form their own conclusions.
Photography is permitted on the sixth and seventh floors and in the Visitors Center, provided it is non-flash and for personal use only. Commercial use of photographs requires prior written approval.
For those interested in a deeper exploration, the museum offers an interactive guide to Dealey Plaza, detailing its history before and after the assassination.
