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Mission Tejas State
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RR 2, Box 108
Grapeland TX 75844
936/687-2394
History: Mission Tejas State Park is a 363.5-acre park in Houston County, 22
miles northeast of Crockett. The park was constructed in 1935 and acquired in
1957 by Legislative Act from the Texas Forest Service, at which time it was open
to the public.
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: 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. Tours: School tours of the two historic
structures can be arranged by calling the park headquarters in advance.
* Check the Calendar of Events for this park.
* More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.
Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site,
Jim Hogg Historic Site; Rusk and Palestine State Parks, and Texas State Railroad
State Park; Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas Forestry Museum, in Lufkin; and
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area (a U.S. Forest Service park, 12 miles away, that
has a nice swimming beach). |
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