he was a very big deal indeed... Stephen Austin started out…read morea strongly pro-Mexico real estate speculator but became an ardent advocate for independence after spending some time in a Mexican jail. Despite his flaws he is remembered as one of the most important founders of the State of Texas. Through agreements with the Mexican government Austin was granted permission to bring in settlers of merit: "families being industrious... and of good morals". The colony thrived due in part to Austin's ability as an administrator and diplomat bringing law and some semblance of order to the region. Such prosperity drew not only legitimate settlers who by and large accepted Mexican citizenship, but squatters and other unauthorized persons who just moved in and set up housekeeping as if they had a right to be there (surprise!) Continuing agitation among the various parties led to rabid discontent, revolution, and eventually the State of Texas. (I found the interwebs to be in general agreement on this)

This place is pretty amazing. You start off with a brief film giving you some history of what…read moreyou're about to see. As you wander through the museum part it's very well done with a lot of touch screen interactives. As you wrap up going through the museum which can easily take you an hour plus, there's a second video that the continuation of the first. Both videos are really high quality and give a great overview. Once you've experienced the inside you walk outside and see a map of what the area used to look like with a homestead sites and some buildings. It helps you get orientated. Then there's the whole recreation of what the town could have looked like. Multiple buildings that you can walk through, each one has their own little educational experience. The print shop is probably the coolest as it's actually functional and can print stuff on every created press. I could easily imagine spending hours here, and it's an amazing morning experience for both adult and kids.

Really, really great spot! We hadn't heard of it, and it's just right outside of Houston! I would…read morerecommend anyone to come to learn more about Texas History. My history obsessed husband even learned something new. It is a beautifully done museum, very interactive and colorful and inviting. Great for kids and adults alike. And there is a great replica of what the town would look like as well.

A wonderful museum in historic Chappell Hill. I highly recommend visiting this quaint town…read more Washington County is the birthplace of TEXAS!!

2021 April Soooo not really a business, but worth a mention!…read moreChappell hill bluebonnet festival!! Perfect weather...perfect place!! Once a year, Along the streets of the small city of chapel hill...is a cozy little area to look at booth after booth after booth of crafts, foods, hot sauces, and other homemade goodies!! the people are extremely polite and fun to talk to...alcohol is located throughout the area with a few scattered ATM machines. Free to get in, you can spend a few hours out there....live music and good times!! Love it

This state historical site is such a cool place. It features ruins of Kreische Brewery (and the…read morestill standing home) as well as Monument Hill a tomb for those who died in the Dawson Massacre of September 1842. There is a beautiful overlook, and the grounds themselves are very well maintained. Only $5 per person for admission and leashed dogs are welcome. The Visitor Center has a few displays of relics that you won't want to miss! I do recommend wearing good shoes and carrying water if you are planning to walk down to the brewery. It's a bit steep in some places!

On a visit to La Grange, I looked up the top attractions in La Grange on TripAdvisor. Monument Hill…read moreState Park came up as number one. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. After paying a small fee to enter, we parked. The visitor's center has a small museum where you can learn all about the history of the park. It's a good way to kick things off. From there, you can hike around the park. Beyond getting a workout, you come across historical markers and other goodies along the way. Brewery ruins, a home, a statue, and more. You'll learn even more through this experience. I love these types of hikes: where you simultaneously learn and get a workout in.

Went by today, the remains are gone. The buildings are all cleared. Nothing to see anymore.read more

Rumour spreadin' a-'round in that Texas town 'bout that…read moreshack outside La Grange and you know what I'm talkin' about. Just let me know if you wanna go to that home out on the range. They gotta lotta nice girls. - ZZ Top If you're looking for a plaque or some sort of historical marker to identify one of (if not the) oldest whorehouses in America you'll be sorely disappointed. Down a dusty road off the highway lay the remains of the Chicken Ranch which inspired such classics as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the musical gem "La Grange". Behind a metal fence with some cows roaming about lay the decrepit remains of a building. You'll have to use your imagination to fill in the rest of the blanks, guessing what was. Originally opened in 1844 and run by a widow named Mrs. Swine. The brothel has a fun and colorful past that is worth a read. Here's a snippet from Wikipedia regarding the random moniker: As the Depression lingered, the number of customers dwindled, and Williams had difficulty making ends meet for her employees. She implemented the "poultry standard," charging one chicken for each sexual act. The number of chickens at the brothel exploded, and soon the place became known as the Chicken Ranch. Williams supplemented her income by selling surplus chickens and eggs.[1 Due to the history of this location, I'm surprised the state hasn't made it an official historical landmark. In the meantime, if you find yourself traveling down highway 71 around the small town of La Grange it's worth a stop to sit and guess about what used to be.

This is a beautiful place to visit. Serene vibes. Interesting place with ponds, sculptures and live…read moreanimals on the grounds. Everything is beautiful here. Plenty of history. Well explained tour. Plenty of spots to take pictures at. I recommend even if you don't like libraries. Very interesting artifacts.

I had heard about this place being a little far from Houston, but it wasn't too bad. It took me…read moreabout 30 minutes in the middle of day, but I had to make an appointment the day before and they asked me when I was coming for. I actually needed a quiet place to study that was away from my home because my husband works from home so I picked this place. When you get to the gate, you have to call them and then they confirm that it's you they let you in and then there's a designated parking area which has a lot of spaces. They also check your ID once you walk into the library and then give you a sticker. After that you are good to go and study wherever you want. I even walked around the grounds for a little bit on my way out. It looks very English countryside, even though I've never been to the English countryside. I think this is what it would look like. Library is beautiful and clean and temperature is perfect. Everyone working there is extremely friendly and it's such a beautiful place.

Nice friendly local farm in the Klein/Spring area. Came…read morehere with my son for his field trip and since I have been an off and on resident of this area since 2000 I thought I should check it out myself as I helped out the 4th grade teachers. Wunderlich farm is rich in history, our neighborhood being heavily influenced on German families is nice to learn where the names of our local schools come from, streets, and local shops. The friendly staff teaches visitors about how it was growing up as an early settler though out NW Houston raising animals with their daily chores and we even experienced doing manual labor work ourselves to appreciate where we are now with advances in technology. I would definitely recommend to take a walk into our local history's past and bond with your family to a place so rich in stories and tales to share even throughout these years.

Cute and tiny place to visit. The buildings are open on Saturdays and the farms are open to visit…read moreas long as you ask for permission. Wife loved reading the history behind it all. It's open till 3pm during the week.

This was a smaller park that had memorials for historical figures and some historical buildings on…read moresome gravel paths. It's a quiet walk and no one else was there while we were. Only taking off a point because the bathrooms were locked. Parking is in a small lot out front.

It was quite a day exploring some of the parks Bryan has to offer. This one in particular was most…read morefascinating with how many tributes, memories, restorations, in such a tiny spot, there are. From the picnic tables, their history and due diligence of restoration, to the French mum's memorial for all mums, reading every word of every plaque, this town has some history, pride, love and devotion it cherished and is delighted to share in this way. So thrilled I could walk through and embrace every bit on such a cold and blistery November day. Doing so warmed me to the bone. The tribute plaque regarding the Vietnam Memorial replica that occurred at A&M for a week in 1999 at the George Bush Library was most heartwarming indeed. Albeit I'd like to kick the idiot who failed in proofreading the plaque. In the pic enclosed, the line which states: The gallant heroes who's names are .......ugh, it's WHOSE....how embarrassing. And this plaque has been there for over a decade!! Otherwise, this park is magnificent!!