The Lone Star State has a rich history, much of it relating to the heroes of its conflict with Mexico in the Texas War of Independence, which concluded in 1836. Tourists and history buffs will find no shortage of monuments and museums commemorating famous episodes of Texas's past to explore across the state.
The Alamo is the state’s most famous memorial and a good place to start exploring the state's memorials. It's the most popular tourist attraction, visited by 2.5 million people a year. Located right in the heart of downtown San Antonio, it is the site of the 1836 battle in which a small band of Texans were finally defeated after holding out for 13 days against attacks by the army of Mexican General Santa Anna.
The Alamo has since come to symbolize courage and sacrifice in the cause of liberty. The façade of the city’s first mission, established in 1718, is one of the most photographed places in the nation. The Long Barracks Museum and Library contains relics and mementos of Texas history. The Alamo is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and admission is free.
Twenty minutes from downtown Houston in the city of La Porte is the San Jacinto Monument, honoring all those who fought for Texas’s independence. An octagonal obelisk, it is the world’s tallest war memorial, standing 570 feet, 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument. The monument is topped by a 34-foot, 220-ton Lone Star, the symbol of Texas, made of stone, steel and concrete. The friezes at the monument's base depict eight episodes in Texas history.
Dedicated in 1939, the monument is on the site of the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, where a Texas army, under the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo,” avenged the massacre of Texas soldiers at the Alamo and gave Texas its independence. The San Jacinto battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Visitors can visit the San Jacinto Museum of History at the base of the monument and then ride the elevator to the observation deck for a view of Houston and the battleship USS Texas.
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum honors a key figure in Texas history, 19th century statesman and soldier Sam Houston. It is located in Huntsville, across the street from Sam Houston State University. The site occupies 18 acres of the original land where Sam Houston lived with his family between 1847 and 1858.
Formally dedicated in 1929, the site consists of 10 historic buildings, including two of Houston’s homes -- one of which was moved to the location -- his log cabin law office and the museum itself. The museum was built in stages from 1936 to the 1960s and consists of a rotunda and three wings with permanent collections and exhibits.
Managed by Sam Houston State University, the building preserves artifacts and memorabilia of the era, including Houston’s sword and sheath, his saddle and one of his favorite pistols. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is open every day except Monday.
