Texas is rich in historical towns, missions, museums and more. It is the perfect place for spring and summer travelers to experience. The cost of traveling in Texas is lower than in other states; gas prices are lower than the rest of the nation. Here are a few places in Texas every visitor should include on their list of places to tour.
The San Antonio Missions
The five missions established by the Spanish during the 1700’s in what is now San Antonio still stand today. Most of the outer walls are gone, but their contribution to Texas history remains.
The address for San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, 2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas, 78210. Their phone number is (210) 932-1001. The hours of operation are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. They are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free to the public.
The Spanish missions were the beginning of colonization in Texas. Escaping cattle interbred, creating the famous Texas Longhorns of today.
The Alamo
No tour of Texas historical places is complete without a visit to the Alamo. It is the birthplace of a Republic and home to one of the most widely known battles of all time.
They are located at 300 Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, Texas. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00am to 5:30pm and on Sunday 10:00am to 5:30pm. The Visitor Office phone number is (210) 225-1391. They close Christmas Eve and Christmas Day only. Admission is free to the public. Visitors are asked to remove hats and keep voices low out of respect. It is a shrine, and remains a consecrated church.
Few places on earth illustrate the concept of standing against an overwhelming force like the Alamo. It also illustrates the military concept of losing a battle to win a war. It is not that they died; it is that they stood.
Fort Stockton
Established in 1858, this U.S. Army fort was charged with protecting wagon trains and those using the Comanche creek for water. The path everyone used crossed the Comanche War Trail, so the soldiers were kept busy.
After the Civil War, the fort was garrisoned by companies of the 9th Cavalry. These soldiers were referred to as “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Indians. They served with honor, providing protection for travelers until the fort was shut down in 1886. Buildings still stand as testament to this National Landmark.
The Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce has visitor information located at 1000 Railroad Avenue, Fort Stockton, Texas, 79735. Their phone number is (877) 366-8525. The museum hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday. Call (432) 336-2400 or email www.fortstockton.org for admission charge information.
Without the brave men of Fort Stockton, settlers may have had to travel around the Comanche territory. The threat was not just the Comanche Nation, but marauders and bandits as well. Their dedication created save travel across the area.
Texas has a lot more to offer for spring and summer travelers. Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Abilene, El Paso and many other cities are rich in history.
Visitors like coming to Texas because they find friendly people here. If you are in San Antonio and look lost, several people will kindly offer help. No charge.
Ya’ll come see us now, ya’ hear?
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.
