List of Texas State Historic Sites facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Texas is a big state with a long history, and many places here are protected as "historic sites." These are special spots that help us remember important events, people, or ways of life from the past. They are like open-air museums that you can visit!

In Texas, these historic sites are looked after by two main groups: the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Both groups work hard to keep these places safe and teach people about their history.

Important Historic Sites in Texas

Texas has many amazing historic sites. Each one tells a unique story about the state's past. Here are some of the most interesting ones you can visit:

The Mighty Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas, a floating piece of history.

The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is home to a huge battleship! This ship is a real hero. It fought in both World War I and World War II. Imagine a ship that big, floating and fighting in two major wars! Today, it's a museum where you can explore its decks and learn about life at sea during wartime. It's located near LaPorte in Harris County and is managed by the TPWD.

President Bush's Childhood Home

The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is where former U.S. President George W. Bush lived when he was a boy. His family moved here when he was young. It's a cool place to see how a future president grew up. This home is in Midland, Midland County, and is cared for by the THC.

Ancient Caddo Mounds

One of the ancient mounds at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site.

At the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, you can step back in time thousands of years! This site was once a busy village for the Caddo people, a Native American tribe. You can see large mounds of earth they built for their homes and ceremonies. It's a great place to learn about Texas's first inhabitants. This site is in Alto, Cherokee County, and is managed by the THC.

Casa Navarro: A Texas Hero's Home

The historic Casa Navarro in San Antonio.

The Casa Navarro State Historic Site was the home of José Antonio Navarro. He was a very important person in Texas history. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and helped shape the state. His home in San Antonio, Bexar County, shows what life was like in the 1800s. The THC looks after this site.

President Eisenhower's Birthplace

The birthplace of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Did you know a U.S. President was born in Texas? The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is the small house where Dwight D. Eisenhower was born. He later became a famous general in World War II and then the 34th President of the United States. You can visit his humble beginnings in Denison, Grayson County. This site is managed by the THC.

Fanthorp Inn: A Stop on the Old Roads

The Fanthorp Inn, a historic stagecoach stop.

The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site was a popular stop for travelers in the 1800s. It was a stagecoach inn, like a hotel and restaurant for people traveling by horse and carriage. You can see how people rested and ate on their long journeys. It's in Anderson, Grimes County, and is managed by the THC.

Forts That Protected Texas

Texas has several historic forts that were important for protecting settlers and travelers.

Fort Griffin

A building at Fort Griffin State Historic Site.

Fort Griffin State Historic Site was a U.S. Army post built in 1867. Soldiers here protected the frontier from Native American raids and outlaws. You can explore the remains of the fort and imagine life as a soldier back then. It's near Albany, Jones County, and is managed by the THC.

Fort Richardson

Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site.

Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site was another important frontier fort. It was built in 1867 and was the northernmost post in a line of forts. It played a big role in the "Indian Wars." Today, you can see restored buildings and learn about the soldiers who lived there. It's in Jacksboro, Jack County, and is managed by the TPWD.

French Legation: A Diplomatic Home

The French Legation, a unique historic home in Austin.

The French Legation State Historic Site is a unique place in Austin. It was built in 1841 for the French representative to the Republic of Texas. It's the only diplomatic building from the Republic of Texas era that still stands. It shows the early international relations of Texas. The THC manages this site in Travis County.

Fulton Mansion: A Grand Home

The beautiful Fulton Mansion.

The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a grand Victorian home built in the 1870s. It was one of the most modern homes of its time, with features like gas lighting and indoor plumbing! It belonged to George W. Fulton, a wealthy inventor and businessman. You can visit this beautiful house in Rockport, Aransas County. It is managed by the THC.

Goliad State Park and Historic Site

Buildings at Goliad State Park and Historic Site.

The Goliad State Park and Historic Site is a large area with lots of history. It includes a reconstructed Spanish mission, Mission Espíritu Santo, and a historic presidio (fort). It's a great place to learn about Spanish colonial times in Texas. It's in Goliad, Goliad County, and is managed by the TPWD.

Hueco Tanks: Ancient Art and Water

One of the "tanks" or rock basins at Hueco Tanks.

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is famous for its large rock basins, called "huecos," that collect rainwater. These water sources made it a vital spot for thousands of years. You can see ancient rock art (pictographs) left by early people. It's near El Paso, El Paso County, and is managed by the TPWD.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site

A statue of President Lyndon B. Johnson at the historic site.

The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site is dedicated to the 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ). It includes his boyhood home, his ranch (the "Texas White House"), and other historic buildings. You can learn about his life and his impact on American history. It's in Stonewall, Gillespie County, and is managed by the TPWD.

Magoffin Home: A Glimpse into El Paso's Past

The historic Magoffin Home in El Paso.

The Magoffin Home State Historic Site is a beautiful adobe home built in 1875. It belonged to Joseph Magoffin, an important figure in El Paso's early history. The home shows what life was like for a wealthy family in the American Southwest. It's in El Paso, El Paso County, and is managed by the THC.

Port Isabel Lighthouse

The historic Port Isabel Lighthouse.

The Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site is home to the only lighthouse on the Texas coast that is open to the public. Built in 1852, it helped guide ships safely into port. You can climb to the top for amazing views of the coast! It's in Port Isabel, Cameron County, and is managed by the THC.

Sam Rayburn House: A Speaker's Home

The Sam Rayburn House Museum.

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site was the home of Sam Rayburn, one of the most powerful politicians in U.S. history. He served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. His home in Bonham, Fannin County, is preserved just as it was when he lived there. The THC manages this site.

San Jacinto Battleground: Texas Independence

The San Jacinto Battle Monument.

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is a very important place for Texas history. This is where the Battle of San Jacinto took place in 1836. In this battle, Texas won its independence from Mexico! You can see the tall monument and learn about this crucial event. It's near LaPorte, Harris County, and is managed by the THC.

Washington-on-the-Brazos: Birthplace of Texas

The monument at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is known as the "Birthplace of Texas." This is where Texas leaders met in 1836 and declared Texas an independent republic. You can visit a replica of Independence Hall and learn about the brave people who created Texas. It's in Washington, Washington County, and is managed by the THC.

Zaragoza Birthplace: A Mexican Hero

The birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza.

The Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site is the birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza. He was a Mexican general who led the Mexican army to victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This battle is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo! You can visit his childhood home in Goliad, Goliad County. The TPWD manages this site.

Images for kids

Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
Fort Lancaster State Historic Site
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Fort McKavett State Historic Site
Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site
Landmark Inn State Historic Site
Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site
Mission Dolores State Historic Site
Mission Rosario State Historic Site
Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites
National Museum of the Pacific War
Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site
Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
Starr Family Home State Historic Site
Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historic Site

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List of Texas State Historic Sites Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.