Texas is full of fun and exciting places to visit and explore. When most people think about Texan history they think more about the old western style life; the old Cowboy western lifestyle that many towns exude when you roll in with your posse. Well, Texas is chock full of places where you can visit to get your fill of the old western style. Some places will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Central Texas has many places that you can visit to help you relive the harsh times in early American and Texan history.



Starting in San Antonio, you have several options to help you learn about the History of Texas. Your first stop should be The Alamo. Located minutes from the Riverwalk in San Antonio you will be able to see a big piece of Texan history and relive the Siege and Battle of the Alamo. When visiting, you will be able enjoy the vast artifacts of history such as Davy Crockett’s buckskin vest and the arsenal that was used to protect the Alamo back in 1836. While visiting, you can see the Wall of History which not only will tell you all about the 300 year history of the Alamo, but will allow you to explore the grounds around the Alamo Gardens. There is also a museum where you can watch a film that was made for the History Channel. It is here also that you can learn how the Alamo changed from a Spanish mission to a fortress and then eventually into a shrine. It is an interesting place for the kid at heart to relive a time of battles and learn an interesting piece of Texan history.

While visiting downtown San Antonio, taking a walking tour of La Villita is a must. This area is dubbed as the first neighborhood of San Antonio. It was originally built in 1819 as housing for the Spanish soldiers that were stationed at the Alamo. It was this site where the cannons were placed during the Battle of the Alamo. As history progressed, many German and French immigrants came over and began to establish roots and lives in this area. The buildings began to take on a more European flair. Today, although there have been many renovations, there are 24 original structures that you can visit. Most of them have been turned into retail shops, restaurants and artist galleries. It is a wonderful little ‘village’ to visit while you are taking in the more historic area of San Antonio.

Another historic spot that you will find while staying in San Antonio is the Jose Antonio Navarro house or the Casa Navarro State Historic Site. What makes this so significant is that Jose Antonio Navarro was a member of the Texas legislatures when the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed in 1836. Navarro is well known for his political influences and his strong defense of the rights of Mexicans. He was considered a true Texan Hero. Here, you can see the Mexican history and heritage of Texas in a simple adobe and limestone home. You will be able to see how he lived, what he wrote and have your many questions asked about life in the early Mexican/Texas life.

While you are walking through downtown San Antonio, make sure to stop by Market Square. It is the largest Mexican Marketplace in the United States. Here among the old Mexican style plaza, you will a market full of restaurants, shops and galleries. It is a place that is a feast for the stomach as well as the eyes and ears. Visit on a weekend and you are sure to find some fiesta with the sounds of Mexican style music. It is a great place to come and enjoy the feeling of the history. It is definitely one of the most unique places to visit while in downtown San Antonio.

San Antonio is a city that has a history rich in Mexican flavor. You will not have to travel too far in order to capture all of that unique and interesting history. Most places in the downtown area are within walking distance from the Alamo and Riverwalk.