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Historic Sites in Texas
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Acton State Historical Park
The park is the burial site of Elizabeth Crockett, second wife
of Davy Crockett, who married him in Tennessee in 1815. She died
January 31, 1860. Since Crockett fought for Texas and died at
the Alamo, his heirs were eligible for a land grant, but Mrs.
Elizabeth Crockett did not claim her grant until 1853. By that
time all choice land was claimed and she had to give surveyor
half of her land for locating a tract worth claiming. This land
was in northeast Hood County Near Acton. For information call:
(817)645-4215
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park
In the 1800s, the low-lying Texas coast made charting a seagoing
course extremely difficult, and a number of captains requested
that something be done. The Port Isabel Lighthouse was
constructed in 1852, near sites of Civil War Battle of Palmito
Ranch (1865) and Mexican War Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma. The old Texas lighthouses declined in importance over
the years. Newer towers with more powerful fixtures were built
at the turn of the century, and the Depression years meant that
less money was available for keeping the lighthouses lit. The
emergence of railroads provided a direct link between Corpus
Christi and the interior of Mexico, and this meant less
commercial shipping. As a result, the Port Isabel light was
extinguished in 1905. The lighthouse fell into neglect until the
Texas State Parks Board provided funds for restoration in 1947.
Dedicated as a state park in 1952, the historic landmark has
become a popular tourist attraction. A major renovation of the
143-year-old, 60-foot tall, brick structure is slated for the
fall of 1997, during which time the lighthouse will be closed.
The City of Port Isabel has come up with a $150,000 grant to
match federal ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act) monies that have been allocated by the Texas
Department of Transportation for the $610,000 lighthouse
renovation. For information call: (956)943-2262
Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park
The park's location is historically significant since it is in
the heart of the former President's home country. The area has
been influenced by three major cultures: Native Americans,
Spanish and German. Indians roamed the Hill Country first,
leaving behind artifacts which tell of their nomadic life. The
Spanish conquistadors followed, bringing a culture which was to
endure to the present. German immigrants settled the Hill
Country in the early 1800s and their descendants still call it
home. Their culture has had a major impact on the development of
the region and the park itself. All of these cultures are
represented at the park. The 269-acre facility was officially
dedicated in August 1970 in a ceremony attended by the Johnson
family and a host of dignitaries. Since the dedication, the park
has been expanded to approximately 732.75 acres. For information
call: (830)644-2252
Caddoan Mounds State Historical Park
It was the home of Mound Builders of Caddoan origin who lived in
the region for 500 years beginning about A.D. 800. See" Temples
and Tombs of an Ancient People," a TPWD publication on the
history of Caddoan Mounds. Also, the Friends of Caddoan Mounds
State Historical Park are rebuilding a Caddo House at the park.
The park offers exhibits and interpretive trails through its
reconstructed sites of Caddo dwellings and ceremonial areas,
including two temple mounds, a burial mound, and a village area.
For information call: (409)858-3218
Mission Tejas State Historical Park
The park was built in 1934 by Co. 888 of Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) as a commemorative representation of Mission San
Francisco de los Tejas, the first Spanish mission in the
province of Texas, which was established in 1690. Also in the
park is the restored Rice Family Log Home, built in 1828 and
restored in 1974. The home, which Joseph Redmund Rice, Sr.
constructed between 1828 and 1838, is one of the oldest
structures in the area. The home served as a stopover for
immigrants, adventurers, and local residents traveling the Old
San Antonio Road across pioneer Texas. Activities include
camping; picnicking; hiking; and fishing. A pond located near
the picnic area offers an excellent opportunity to explore
aquatic life and fish. Hiking and nature trails provide access
to the natural beauty of the east Texas Pineywoods. The dogwood
are beautiful the last week or so of March, usually around the
25th. For information call: (409)687-2394
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