LIFE
T rai l d r i v e DON’T MISS Visit Corpus Christi visitcorpuschristitx.org Lipantitlan State Historic Site Mathis, TX 78368 (361) 547-2635
Visit Fredericksburg visitfredericksburgtx.com National Museum of the Pacific War
311 E Austin St. Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) 997-8600
Visit Port Arthur visitportarthur.com Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site 6100 Dowling Rd. Port Arthur, TX 77641 (512) 463-7948
TAKING A STAND With attention to detail and authenticity re-enactors portray historic events in Goliad. | Courtesy THC
From the Texas Revolution to World War II Battlegrounds tell the story of the state’s history and its people’s contributions by Donald S. Frazier
T
exas has been squabbled about, claimed and counter-claimed, and even fought over for most of its existence. This means that there are quite a few spots where the action happened. Today, museums, the Texas General Land Office, Texas Historical Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife all lend a hand in keeping these historical places remembered. Here are a few worth visiting, and why the trip will be worth it. Starting in South Texas, the important crossing of the Nueces River at Lipantitlan is managed by the Texas Historical Commission and marks the site of a 50
AUTHENTIC TEXAS
simple earthen fort that at one time housed 100 men and four cannons. Mexican troops built the works in 1831, and Texian revolutionaries took it in 1835. The post served as a convenient camping site for armies crossing the region and was the scene of a second battle, this time in 1842 between Republic of Texas forces and Mexican invaders. Heading north, stop to see the various attractions at Goliad. Texas Parks and Wildlife operates Mission Espíritu Santo State Historic Site, a restored Spanish mission that was critical to the settlement of South Texas. Read more about Goliad on page 18. Nearby is the Presidio de La Bahía, critical to the story
