Planning a trip to Houston or Galveston this summer? Turn your car into a time machine and dive into some Texas history along the way!
By Suzan Dees | Contributor
Did you know that Texas boasts over 15,000 historical markers? Our great state is brimming with fascinating history. So, while you embark on your summer road trips, why not treat yourself to a history lesson?
First stop: Huntsville
In Huntsville, you’ll find the tallest statue of an American hero in the world – General Sam Houston, towering at an impressive 77 feet from the base to the tip of his head. This city is also home to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which celebrates the life of the first president of the Republic of Texas. The museum offers a variety of interactive demonstrations that are enjoyable for all ages, including blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning and weaving, tin punch crafts, flower pounding, and early American skills.
Next stop: Houston
A poignant yet essential visit is to the Houston Holocaust Museum. Among its permanent exhibitions is The Red Handkerchief. This exhibit is inspired by the book, The Red Handkerchief by Yvonne Ward-Hughes, detailing her mother and aunt’s resistance during Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. “In the years since World War II, the world has come to understand more about those responsible for the Nazi horrors, and many Holocaust survivors have come forward to share their experiences. The original hand-sewn red handkerchief related to the story, along with an original letter from Albert Einstein, are part of the permanent exhibition at Holocaust Museum Houston.” Situated in the vibrant Houston Museum District (which features 19 different museums!), the museum is accessible to the public every day of the week, except for holidays.
While in Houston, another historical highlight is the Battleship Texas and the nearby San Jacinto Monument and Museum. The Battleship Texas is noteworthy as the last surviving Dreadnaught globally and the only battleship that served in both WWI and WWII. Visitors can board the ship for a unique history experience. In La Porte, just outside Houston, the San Jacinto Monument reaches an astonishing height of 567 feet. With an observation deck nearly at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Houston ship channel and the Battleship Texas, all from an elevation of 480 feet. The monument’s lobby hosts a museum with over 30,000 artifacts, including personal items, weaponry, and official documents from significant Texans.
Galveston: More than Just Beaches and Shopping
Don’t forget to visit the 1900 Storm Memorial Statue. Situated along Seawall Blvd., this 10-foot-tall bronze statue was completed for the centennial of the catastrophic storm. Created by a fourth-generation Galvestonian, it serves as a solemn tribute to the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history.
Once you’ve enjoyed some sun, enrich your historical knowledge at the Pier 21 Theater. Here, you can watch a 27-minute documentary on the 1900 hurricane that ravaged Galveston, as well as the story behind the sea wall. Two additional films include one focused on the notorious pirate Jean Laffite and another titled “Who Do You Think You Are,” which highlights Galveston’s significance as a port of immigration.
We are fortunate to reside in a state with such a vibrant and diverse history. Taking the chance to learn something new while vacationing is a fantastic way to keep your children engaged and your brain active.
Happy Time Traveling!
