Historical Museum Guide for Texas

Texas History Museums

Frontier Times Museum

The Alamo

[The Battle of the Alamo]  [Defenders of the Alamo]

[Map of San Antonio de Bexar]

Since I am a native Texan, this has to one of the most significant landmarks in Texas and I have to tell you I did not visit this place until I was in my 40s!  Standing on this spot, I was absolutely awestruck at what took place here.  If you are a Texan, this is a place you MUST visit, however I believe anyone interested in history will experience some degree of  "WOW" as they walk this historic place and hear the story of the Battle of the Alamo which took place here in 1836.  It's story will echo in your memory forever.

Buckhorn Museum

In 1881 Albert's Buckhorn Saloon was opened for business on Dolorosa Street in San Antonio.  Patrons were encouraged to bring in deer antlers and trade them for beer or whiskey.  The collection continued to grow and included rattlesnake rattlers.  Today the saloon / museum is still in operation and boasts having "The Oddest Store in the World".  Located at 318 E. Houston Street in San Antonio, TX.

San Antonio Missions

Built ca 1885-1886, this grand old courthouse has been used for a courthouse, office building, hospital, school, a bank and town meeting place.  At one time, it housed a wild west museum.  Today it stands as a reminder of the past and welcomes visitors to Blanco County.

Round Mountain Stage-Coach Inn and Stable

This 1885 Italianate Victorian home is build in the shape of a club.  The unique home is open for tours.  Located at 420 Pine Street in Texarkana, TX.

Museum of Regional History

The oldest museum in Texarkana features historical collections depicting the history of the Texarkana region from the time of the Caddo Indians through the founding of Texarkana.  The Wilbur Smith Research Library and Photo Archive is also housed inside the museum.  Located at 219 State Line Avenue in Texarkana, TX.

Brazoria County Historical Museum   [Genealogy]

Found inside the old 1897 Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton, Texas, the museum preserves and displays historic artifacts which document the history of the area.  The genealogy section offers a free genealogy database of early settlers in Austin's Colony.

Levi Jordan Plantation Archaelogical & Historical Site

[Genealogy of Plantation Families]

Constructed in 1848 by Levi Jordan, the plantation is being studied through archaeological excavation.  This plantation which was built by slaves became one of the largest sugar and cotton plantations in Texas.  Contact the Varner-Hogg State Historic Site at 979-345-4656 for a possible tour.

Museum of the Big Bend

The museum has been preserving and exhibiting artifacts of the Big Bend area for over 70 years.  Located on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX.

Hallie Stillwell Hall of Fame

Focused on the ranching legacy of Hallie Crawford Stillwell, the museum is located on FM 2627 in Alpine, TX on the east side of Big Bend National Park.

Located in the old Brown County Jail.

The site is a Caddo burial mound and the area was home to the Mound Builders of Caddoan origin who roamed the area for 500 years beginning ca A.D. 800.  Exhibits and interpretive trails are featured with reconstructed Caddo dwellings and ceremonial areas.  This site is now operated by the Texas Historical Commission.  Tours are offered.  Located in Cherokee County, just west of Nacogdoches, TX at 1649 State Hwy 21W in Alto, TX.

Heritage Center of Cherokee County  [Photos]

Dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of artifacts and documents related to the history of Cherokee County.  409 North Henderson Street, Rusk, TX.

Historical Markers in Rusk County, Texas

Jim Hogg City Park

A memorial to the first native born Texas governor, James Stephen Hogg, this lovely park features a museum, birthplace replica, the family cemetery and historical markers.  Located off Hwy 84 East and Fire Tower Road near Rusk, TX.

Vanishing Texana Museum

Displays of historic artifacts, documents and photos related to the history of Texas and Cherokee County.  Housed inside the Jacksonville Public Library at 502 S. Jackson Street in Jacksonville, TX.

Chestnut Square Historical Park

Collin County Historical Society and Museum

Heritage Farmstead at Plano

African American Museum

Opening it's doors in 1974, it is the only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials and artifacts. Located at 3536 Grand Avenue, Fair Park in Dallas, Texas

Dallas Heritage Village    [Virtual Tour]

A 13 acre village with collections of old houses, historical church and school buildings, and seasonal living history exhibits dating back to 1840 makes the Dallas Heritage Village a unique place to visit. Also known as Old City Park.  Located at 1515 S. Harwood St. in Dallas, TX

Dallas Historical City Walking Tours

Take a walk/ride through Dallas and discover the historical buildings, people and places.

Dallas Holocaust Museum

Experience first hand about the suffering of the Jews during the Holocaust. Group Tours available, with possible interaction from survivors. This museum is NOT recommended for children under the age of 12. Located at 211 N. Record St. Suite 100 in Dallas, TX.

Dallas West End Historical Page

Just a page with historical information, the history and places at the West End in Dallas, TX.

Explore a living history village comprised of buildings representing the rich history of Frisco, Texas.  Historical structures include a log cabin, a one room schoolhouse, the Lebanon Baptist Church and several local homes. Located at 6455 Page Street in Frisco, TX.

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Take a memorable journey through time exploring aviation. From the very first "thoughts and dreams" about flying to the first airplane and beyond. Learn about the early aviators and see the uniforms and airplanes and equipment used. Located at 6911 Lemmon Avenue in Dallas, TX.

The Hall of State at Fair Park

The Hall of State was built in 1936 to serve as a shrine to Texas history. Available for special events. Exhibits are open to the public at no charge. Located in the Heart of Fair Park in Dallas, TX.

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS

Museum Of The American Railroad

Over thirty pieces of historic railroad equipment including steam, diesel and electric locomotives, cabooses , historic structures, signals and assortment of small artifacts make it one of the finest railroad museums in the southwest United States. Located at 1105 Washington St. at Fair Park in Dallas, TX

The Sixth Floor Museum

Located on the 6th and 7th floors of what was known as the Texas School Book Depository back in 1963, the Sixth Floor Museum provides information, understanding and events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The address is 411 Elm at Houston streets, in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas.

The Women's Museum  [Virtual Exhibits]

70,000 Sq. Feet of artifacts where people can go to honor and explore the political, social and spiritual contributions of Women and their struggles and triumphs throughout history. Located at 3800 Parry Avenue in Dallas, TX

Located in the Historical Park of Denton County at 317 W. Mulberry in Denton, TX.

Courthouse On The Square Museum

The museum offers a glimpse into the history and cultures which made the Denton community what it is today.   110 W. Hickory St., Denton, TX 76201

Denton County African American Museum

The (soon to be opened) museum is housed in a ca 1900 Quakertown house which was moved to the location adjacent to the Bayless-Selby House in the Historical Park of Denton County at 317 W. Mulberry.

Denton County Historical Museum

Dedicated to the preservation, display and interpretation of Denton's early history, the museum houses collections of pioneer families and offers a reference library for researchers.  Located at the intersection of I-35N and Loop 288 at the Stonehill Center in Denton, TX.

Dickens Historical Museum

Area Missions in El Paso

The Mission Trail, a history project of the El Paso Community College.  Just follow Soccoro Road and you will find all 3 old missions.  This is great fun.  I have done this myself and have to say, the haunting beauty of these old missions will stay with you forever.  The Tigua Indian Cultural Center is also located on this road and it is a place you must stop to visit and learn about the Tigua Indian Tribe.

Casasola Museum/ Museo Casasola

The US-Mexico Border History
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REALITY: CIEN AÑOS DE REALIDAD by Carlos Vigueras
1910-2010

The Casasola Museum features a Collective Exhibition (with more than 600 photojournalists of four generations).
Selection of 120 photos with frames and slide show with another 500 hundred images.
General archives: More than100,000 images, cartoons, maps, documentaries and more.
This exhibition is composed of 100,000 images of our iconographic collections of four types:

1.- Images that are part of the Casasola Museum's private collection

2.- Images from the special collection of the Casasola Found

3.- Images from the archives of the Mexiamerica/Casa de las Americas special private collection.

4.- Images from the collective collection of 50 border graphic journalists

Located at 617 Prospect Street (Pancho Villa Street) in El Paso, TX.

Chapel San Elceario   [Virtual Tour]

This chapel is not an actual mission but a military chapel built in 1877.  It has stained glass windows displaying the American flag and the Seal of Texas.

Los Portales Museum and Information Center   [Virtual Tour]

Located in Historic San Elizario, the museum displays 400 years of border history.

Mission Socorro   [Virtual Tour]

An absolutely beautiful old Franciscan mission founded in 1682, the present building was constructed in 1840 to replace earlier buildings.

Mission Ysleta  

Claimed to be the second oldest continuous church in the U.S.

Tigua Indian Cultural Center 

[History of the Tigua Indians]  [More History]

Located at 305 Ya Ya Lane at Socorro Road in El Paso, is a lovely place devoted to the history of the Tigua Indians.  Inside, you will find people making lovely pottery and other crafts which you can purchase along with historical information about the Tigua Indian tribe.

Winedale   [History of Winedale]

Located in Round Top, Texas.

Sam Rayburn Library & Museum

Focused on the history and life of Sam Rayburn with exhibits of photographs, letters, personal memorabilia and other items

800 W. Sam Rayburn Drive

Bonham, TX

George Ranch Living History Historical Park

Moody Mansion

Galveston, TX

Ocean Star

Offshore Drilling Rig

and Museum

Galveston, TX

The Elissa

Texas Seaport Museum

Galveston, TX

Galveston County Historical Museum  (dead link Mar 2010)

Housed in the grand 1921 City National Bank building, the museum preserves and promotes the heritage and history of Galveston County.  Located at 2219 Market Street in Galveston, Texas.

Great Storm Theater

Shown in the Pier 21 Theater, the movie documents the 1900 hurricane in Galveston which killed more than 6000 people and is considered the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States.  Located at Harborside Drive and 21st Street, 2nd Floor.

Moody Mansion  [Photo Gallery]

Built in 1895, this spendid 4 story mansion has over 28,000 square feet and features beautifully decorated room.  Once the home to the Moody family, a powerful Texas family who established charitable foundations and brought much to the Galveston Island they loved.  The home remained in the Moody family until 1986 and is today still filled with furnishings and personal affects of the Moody family.  Guided tours are featured daily and begin in the garage where visitors will delight in antique automobiles and memorabilia.  The mansion is also available for rentals.  Located at 2618 Broadway in Galveston, TX.

Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center

[Virtual Tour]

The Ocean Star is an offshore drilling rig and museum.  The Ocean Star was first used in 1967 and serves today as a learning tool, allowing visitors to experience a little of what it is like on an offshore drilling rig and how it all works.  Located at Pier 19, Harborside Drive at 20th Street on Galveston Island.

Texas Seaport Museum - Home of Elissa

Learn about the seaport commerce and immigration in Galveston, Texas, often referred to as "The Ellis Island of the West".  Visitors will have access to a database containing the names of over 133,000 immigrants who entered the US in the seaport of Galveston.  Walk aboard the Elissa, the 1877 ship which still floats in the harbor and has been restored to all her former beauty.  Harbor tours are also offered daily.  Located at Pier 21, Number 8 in Galveston, TX.

Harper Pioneer Museum

Gillespie County Historical Society Museums

A Texas Ghost Town..... they preservation society is asking for help in restoring the old Cole building which once served as the town meeting place and housed the town's drug store, gas station, bank and post office.

Harrison County Historical Society and Museum

Texas and Pacific Railway Museum

Located in the Ginocchio Historic District of Marshall, this railroad depot was built in 1912.  Now serving as a museum, they offer interpretive tours to guide you through this important part of Mashall's history.

Focused on the historic interpretation of the settlement of the eastern Texas Panhandle, the museum features exhibits related to ranching, the railroad, rodeoing, the oil industry and more.  Located at 118 N. 2nd in Canadian, TX.

Crockett Depot and Museum

A 1909 Railroad Depot which is today known as the Houston County History Visitor's Center and Museum.  View exhibits depicting the history of this historic area in Texas.

Mission Tejas State Historical Park

Visitors to this 365 acre park can tour a representation of the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in Texas.  The Rice log cabin is also located here.  Built in 1878, the cabin is one of the oldest structures to survive in this area.

Beautiful Beaux Arts colonial mansion built in 1906 by Texas oil family. 12,500 square feet of space with sweeping porches, fine furnishings and valuable antiques. Spacious lawns and flower beds surround the three-floor home. Home’s original furnishings on display. Check the website for special events and docent guided tours. Located at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont, TX. (409)832-2134.

Featuring a complex of buildings, exhibits are focused on the history and culture of the Wends who began arriving in Texas in 1849.  There are two log buildings, the Peter Building, the St. Paul Building, and a new facility with displays interpreting the history of the Wends.  Located near the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, TX.

Texas Rangers Archives & Museum

[The Research Center]   [Texas Rangers History Timeline]

[Texas Rangers Historical Account]

Displays artifacts and historical information about the famous Texas Rangers.  The Texas Rangers Research Center can help you with genealogy and tell you how to locate information about your Texas Ranger ancestor.

McMullen County Historical Museum and Archives

Midland County Historical Museum

The museum features historic artifacts related to the history of Midland.  The collections include photos, saddles, cattle brands, rodeo memorabilia and early Midland newspapers, obituary files and genealogies of early families.  Located at 301 W. Missouri in Midland, TX.

The Petroleum Museum

Focused on the history of the petroleum industry and it's impact on the cultural history of man in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.  Visitors will also find the western artwork of Tom Lovell on display here.  Located at 1500 Interstate 20 West (Exit 136).

Mills County Historical Museum

Pelham Museum  [History of Pelham Community]

Devoted to the history of the African American Community, it is housed inside the 1890 Pelham School.  Through exhibits and research materials, the museum is a great place to learn more abut African American heritage in Navarro County.  Located at 22535 FM 744 Pelham Road in Hubbard, TX.

Pioneer Village

Newton County Historical Commission History Center & Museum

Powell Hotel Museum

Located in Newton, Texas, the hotel was built in 1889 and was originally the W. H. Ford Male and Female College.  It later served as a hotel and eventually deeded to the Newton County Historical Commission.  Today it is home to the Newton County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and museum.

Housed in the hangar that originally served as Sweetwater Airport, the National WASP WWII Museum celebrates the achievements of the WASP: Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII. These courageous young women trained to fly American military aircraft at nearby Avenger Field from 1943 to 1944. In service they flew every kind of non-combat mission. Located in Sweetwater, TX. Visit our website for directions and hours of operation.

Discover the rich history of Parker County complete with cattle barons, cowboys and Native Americans.  Collections include historical artifacts and tools of the early settlers, Native Americans and cattle drivers who inhabited Parker County.  Located at 1400 Texas Drive in Weatherford, TX.

Panhandle Plains Historical Museum 

The Depot Museum

Historic Sabine County Jail Museum   [History]

Old Jail Museum - Located in Old Town

San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History   [The Battle]

Shelby County Historical Society & Museum   [History]

Located in the Weaver-Gates House.

Fort Worth Stock Yards Museum

Fort Worth is well known as Cowtown and was once full of wealthy cattle barons.  A visit to the stockyards museum will allow you to explore the colorful past of Fort Worth, it's stockyards, and the meatpacking industry.  Located at 131 E. Exchange Ave in the historic Livestock Exchange Building.

Log Cabin Village 

This village opened up near my home when I was only a child of 11 and even then I had a fascination with historical places and things, as I asked my father to take me there.  I was enthralled with it and it has grown a lot since then.  More cabins and historical structures have been moved to the village which offers a glimpse into early pioneer life in North Texas.  Today the village offers interpreters and volunteers who depict the lifestyle of our early pioneers, making this a living history museum.  Located in Forest Park on University Drive at 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane in Fort Worth, TX.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

The only museum in the entire world dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneer spirit in their trail blazing efforts.  The museum which opened in 2002 is in a beautiful new building with a huge mural of horses and cowgirls painted by Richard Haas.  Featuring a hall of fame, three galleries, a theater and research library, the museum itself is an inspiring work of art.  Located in the Fort Worth Cultural District at 1720 Gendy Street.

Thistle Hill  [Virtual Tour]

A beautiful cattle baron's mansion.  Built in 1903, this is one of the most beautiful homes in my native home town of Fort Worth.  The house has been called home by Electra Waggoner and Winfield Scott.  Today, tours are offered and rental is available for weddings and events.  1509 Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas.

White Settlement Historical Museum

George Washington Carver Museum   [History]

Neill-Cochran House Museum

Visitors will experience what life was like in the early days of Austin and the Republic of Texas.  The house was built in 1855 by Washington L. Hill who was never able to afford to live in it.  It was leased to the Texas Asylum for the Blind and later served as a governor home, used by the US Army and a even a hospital.  It has been owned by Cochrans and Neills until 1958 when it was acquired by the National Society of Colonial Dames of Texas.  Today the home is furnished and features the Centennial Garden.  Tours are offered.  Located at 2310 San Gabriel, TX.

Whitehead Memorial Museum

The Whitehead Memorial Museum is a complex of buildings, a replica of Judge Roy Bean's Jersey Lilly Saloon, an authentic log cabin, the Cadena Nativity and the Perry Mercantile Building.  On the grounds, visitors will find the graves of Judge Roy Bean and his son Sam.  Located at 1308 South Main Street in Del Rio, TX.

[County History]

Historical Monuments, Markers and Sites in Victoria

McNamara House Museum

A Greek Revival style house built in 1876 for William J. McNamara.  The home is a museum today and furnished with some of the family's original furniture.  Exhibits and artifacts related to Victoria's history are featured in the museum.  Located at 502 N. Liberty in Victoria, TX.

Museum of the Coastal Bend

Devoted to the cultural history of the mid-coastal region of Texas, the museum offers many exhibits related to the French exploration in Texas and is a member of the La Salle Odyssey Project.  Located on the campus of Victoria College at 2200 East Red River in Victoria, Texas.

The Nave Museum

A collection of art by Royston Nave is housed in a neo-classical style temple built by his wife in 1932 as a memorial to her husband.  Located at 306 W. Commercial in Victoria, TX.

Star of The Republic Museum   [Virtual Tour]

Kell House Museum

Built in 1909, the home of Frank Kell (a founding father of Wichita Falls), features original family furnishings, textiles, and artwork.  Guided tours offer insight into the history of the settlement of Wichita Falls and the Kell family.  Located at 503 Eighth Street in Wichita Falls, TX

Williamson County Historical Museum

[Photos of Williamson County History]

Housed inside the 1910 Old Farmers State Bank Building, the museum features artifacts and objects related to the history of Williamson County.  Located at 716 Austin Avenue in Georgetown, TX.

Known as "The Castle", the home was built in 1883 by cattle baron Dan Waggoner.  Featuring 16 rooms with a full basement and 8 wood-burning fireplaces it is constructed of limestone.  It is privately owned and not open for tours.  Located at 1005 E. Main Street in Decatur, TX.

Texas Tourist Camp & Petrified Wood Gas Station

A 1927 Texaco Gas station, located at the corner of U.S. Hwy 81 and 287 is listed as a historical site.  Covered with petrified wood, it was used as a lunchroom and Texas Cafe.  It was a popular hangout for high school and college students.  Currently it is the Whistle Stop Cafe.  Located at 900-904 South Business 81-287 in Decatur, TX. 

Wise County Courthouse

The Romanesque Revival style courthouse was built using Texas pink granite in 1895 by James Riley Gordon.  The courthouse is open weekdays but the County's Judge's office must be toured by appointment.  Located in historic downtown Decatur, TX.

Wise County Heritage Museum

Housed in an old Baptist College building at 1603 South Trinity in Decatur, Texas, the museum contains a large collection of genealogy research materials along with historical artifacts of the area. 

Woody Cabin

This log cabin located in Wise County near Deep Creek Cemetery, was built by Sam Woody ca 1854.  The cabin is surrounded by a fence and can only be seen, not entered.

Governor Jim Hogg City Park

At first glance this seems to be a lovely but ordinary city park.  However, if one looks a little closer, you will find a beautifully restored home which was built ca 1869.  Home to the James A. Stinson family, a daughter: Miss Sallie Stinson married Texas Governor James Hogg in the parlor.  Also located inside the park is a "Honeymoon Cottage", Miss Ima Hogg Museum and a large pavilion.  Located on Highway 37 in Quitman, TX.

Museum Index for Other States

Texas Census Records