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and furnished by his philanthropist daughter, Ima Hogg. Visitors can explore Ima Hogg’s outstanding decorative arts collection while learning about the enslaved people who lived and worked on this property.
Levi Jordan Plantation
Distance from Houston: 1 hour
Levi Jordan moved his family and 12 enslaved workers to Texas to establish a sugar and cotton plantation on the San Bernard River in the 1840s. The site highlights the multiple perspectives and evolving relationships of those who lived and worked on the land during the 19th century.
Washington-on-the-Brazos
Distance from Houston: 1.5 hours
On March 2, 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at this location, marking the birthplace of the Republic of Texas. Today, the historic site rests where Washington once flourished and contains a reconstruction of Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Plantation, home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic.
Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill
Distance from Houston: 1.5 hours
Master stonemason and German immigrant Heinrich Kreische built his 1849 home and one of Texas’ first commercial breweries in the 1860s. Walk the ruins of this once-bustling brewery and see how it remains a lasting example of prosperity by immigrants in Texas. Monument Hill marks the tomb of the men who died during the Dawson Massacre of September 1842, the ill-fated Mier expedition of November 1842, and the dramatic Black Bean Incident.
expedition of November 1842, and the dramatic Black Bean Incident.
Presidio La Bahía
Distance from Houston: 2.5 hours
The Presidio, established in 1749 on this site during the Spanish colonial period, was crucial to the development of Texas. Witnessing filibustering expeditions and playing a role in the Mexican War for Independence from Spain, the Presidio was the site of the Goliad Massacre on Palm Sunday in March 1836, and marked one of the bloodiest chapters in Texas’ quest for independence from Mexico.
Fulton Mansion
Distance from Houston: 3 hours
The Fulton family’s impressive home overlooks scenic Aransas Bay. This home—with its mansard roof and ornate trim work—was progressive, luxurious, and rare in this part of Texas in the late 1800s. It reflects George Fulton’s engineering skill and success as an inventor and rancher.
National Museum of the Pacific War
Distance from Houston: 4 hours
The only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to the stories of the Pacific Theater in World War II and the continuing global impact of its lessons. The six-acre campus includes 55,000 square feet of exhibits, Memorial Courtyard, Japanese Garden of Peace, and the Pacific Combat Zone living history battlefield and amphitheater.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Distance from Houston: 6 hours
The last Texas lighthouse that is open to the public, this historic structure was built in 1852 and remained lit until the early 1900s. Tour the exhibits in the reconstructed Keeper’s Cottage, then climb up the 72-foot lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
Discover More
Texas’s historic sites bring history to life for visitors of all ages. From Native American settlements to frontier forts, from humble homesteads to grand estates, these places connect you to the people and events that built the Lone Star State. Click here for the overview of all THC sites.
Texas History Navigator
Explore Texas history on the go with the THC’s free Texas History Navigator app. Find and learn about over 18,000 historical markers and sites across the state, in addition to learning about our other major historic sites. Read or listen to stories, locate nearby landmarks, share your discoveries, and plan your own historical trip through Texas.