Roadschool through Texas History

~ Darcy Hamilton

I had an online conversation recently with someone who would be traveling through Texas and wanted to know places they could visit to learn some Texas History, and this sparked an idea for this page: Roadschool Through Texas History.

I’ve included places to stay, visit, and experience for each Chapter. While this isn’t a requirement for this curriculum, it sure is fun!

Texas History 1: Early Texas History

  • The Witte Museum in San Antonio, TX, has an excellent exhibit called “People of the Pecos” which introduces us to some of the earliest inhabitants of Texas. Discover who they were, what they did, and some of the things they left behind on your visit. (There is also an entire South Texas History wing which will be relevant to other Chapters as well!)
  • RV Stay: If visiting the Witte, I highly recommend staying at the San Antonio/Alamo KOA.
  • The Bob Bullock Museum in Austin, TX, has an impressive collection of early Texan history on the first floor of the Texas History Exhibit. (The second floor is relevant to future sections of our Texas History study, as well.)

Texas History 2: Texas Missions

  • Head to this page about the Texas Missions see if there are any near you or where you are traveling. If you are in San Antonio, there are several missions very close together and connected by a walking trail.
Mission Concepción
Mission San Jose

Texas History 3: Early Explorers

  • Visit Matagorda Bay, the area where Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle settled along the Texas Coast. There is SO much to do, including the Matagorda County Museum, which includes items from the excavation of La Salle’s ship, La Belle. Once history has been covered, be sure to head to the beach, go fishing, kyaking, and more!
  • RV Stay: Book your stay at Matagorda Bay Nature Park, a 1,333 acre park on the Colorado River.

Texas History 4: Early Texas Settlers

  • Take a trip to Galveston, former home of Jean Lafitte, a pirate and smuggler. While you are there be sure to visit Moody Gardens, Kemah Boardwalk, and the beach.
  • RV Stay: When you stay at Jamaica Beach Resort you may not want to leave!
  • Another place of interest is San Felipe de Austin Historical site in San Felipe, TX. See one of the first established settlements by Stephen F. Austin.

Texas History 5: The Beginning of a Revolution

  • One of our favorite Texas History trips we took was to Gonzales during Come and Take It weekend! Gonzales was the site of the first skirmish that started the Texas Revolution, and there is a reenactment of this “battle” on the first weekend of October every year. Be sure to mark your calendars and get travel plans booked early.
  • If you can’t go during Come and Take It Festival you can still visit Pioneer Village and the Gonzales Memorial Museum any time of the year.
  • Be sure to complete the Gonzales Bingo and bring it by the chamber of commerce to get a prize!
  • RV stay: Check out Lake Wood Park which has 16 full hookups and lots of shade.

Texas History 6 & 7: Texas Independence

  • There is only one place to visit when learning about Texas Declaration of Independence, Washington on the Brazos! Visit Independence Hall, where the declaration was signed, and step back in time at Barrington Plantation, where you will often find costumed volunteers showing what daily life would have looked like on the Plantations in the 1850’s.
  • RV Stay: There aren’t very many places to camp nearby, but I would suggest checking out Lake Somerville State Park or Brazos Valley RV park in Caldwell.

Texas History 8: Battle of the Alamo

Texas History 9: The Battle of San Jacinto

  • Head to LaPorte to visit the San Jacinto Museum of History and view the grounds where the Battle of San Jacinto was fought. You can also see the Battleship Texas while you’re there on the grounds.
  • RV Stay: I recommend Cedar Cove RV Resort, which is just a 20 minute drive over to Baytown.

Texas History 10: A New Government

  • This week we are headed to Austin, Texas, and the State Capital. The capital grounds and capital itself it full of history, and while you are there you can learn about the current government representatives who gather in Austin each year.
  • While you are there, visit the Bob Bullock Museum too, if you haven’t already (or even if you have!)
  • RV Stay: If you’d like to stay close to downtown Austin, then Pecan Grove RV Park. (Google this place for the phone number, and plan your stay very early in advance! I hear they fill up quickly.)
  • RV Stay: If you’re wanting somewhere outside of Austin to enjoy nature, but still a short drive into town (45 mins), check out the LCRA South Shore Park in Bastrop, TX.

Texas History 11: Joining Forces

  • A big part of the annexation of Texas was forming the Texas border and the negotiations to choose either the Nueces River or the Rio Grande. There are so many great places to visit along both of these rivers. Here are two options, but feel free to explore more!
  • Along the Nueces: Take a look at the Nueces Loop along the Heart of Texas West Wildlife Trail. This page has plenty of places to visit, as well as suggestions of places to stay.
  • Along the Rio Grande: Big Bend National Park is a great place for a long trip. There is so much to explore right along the Texas/Mexico border. While there is camping in the park, Maverick RV at Lajitas comes highly recommended.

Texas History 12: Compromises and Secession

Did you know that General Sam Houston was one of the few people against Texas’ secession from the U.S.? You can learn more about Sam Houston by visiting Huntsville, TX. See the Big Sam just off the highway, and visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.

RV Stay: Stay at the Huntsville State Park where there are full hookups and plenty of outdoor activities.

Enjoy your travels!

We hope this list is helpful! Please tell us about your experiences traveling through Texas History in the comments below!

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