List of former Texas state parks facts for kids
Did you know that some places that used to be Texas State Parks are now something else? Texas has many amazing state parks where you can explore nature, learn history, and have fun. But over the years, some of these parks have changed their names or their purpose. This article tells you about some of the places that were once Texas State Parks and what they are called today.
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Texas's Changing Parks
Sometimes, a place that was once a state park might change. This can happen for many reasons. Maybe it became a national park, or a city park, or even private land. These changes often mean the land is still protected or used for public enjoyment, just under a different name or management.
Early Parks and Historic Sites
Many of Texas's very first state parks were created to protect important historical places. Over time, some of these parks became known as "State Historic Sites" to better show their main purpose.
Protecting History
- San Jacinto State Park was established in 1907. It later became the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. This site is famous for the battle that won Texas its independence.
- Fannin State Park started in 1913 and became the Fannin Battleground State Historic Site in 2008. It remembers a key event in the Texas Revolution.
- Washington State Park, created in 1915, is now the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. This is where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed.
Parks That Became City or County Lands
Some state parks were transferred to local cities or counties. This means they are still parks, but they are managed by local governments instead of the state.
Local Parks for Local Fun
- Clifton State Park was a state park from 1933 to 1934. It is now the Clifton City Park.
- Normangee State Park existed from 1933 into the 1950s. Today, it is the Normangee City Park.
- Kerrville-Schreiner State Park was a state park from 1936 to 2004. It is now known as Kerrville-Schreiner Park and is managed by Kerr County.
- Mackenzie State Park in Lubbock County is now Mackenzie Park, a large city park.
Parks That Joined Bigger Natural Areas
A few state parks became part of much larger natural areas, like national parks or wildlife refuges. This helps protect even more land for nature and wildlife.
Joining Larger Protected Areas
- Texas Canyons State Park was created in 1933. It was quickly renamed Big Bend State Park in the same year. Then, in 1944, it became part of the huge Big Bend National Park.
- Brazos Island State Park (1957-2007) and Boca Chica State Park (1994-2007) both became part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This helps protect important habitats for many animals.
Parks with Unknown Fates
For some former state parks, it's not clear what they became or if they are still public land. Their stories are a bit of a mystery!
Where Did They Go?
- Gonzales State Park (1913)
- Beeville State Park (around 1915)
- Boerne-Hallie Maude Neff State Park (1924-1933)
- Van Horn State Park (1927)
- Hamilton State Park (1933)
- Tres Palacios State Park (1933)
- Fort Stockton State Park (established at an unknown date)
These parks show how land use can change over time. Even if they are no longer state parks, many of these places still offer opportunities for people to enjoy nature or learn about history.
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