Beyond the Battlefield: Seven Unexpected WWII Sites in Texas

You might not expect a world-class World War II museum in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, but Fredericksburg’s National Museum of the Pacific War proves otherwise. And it’s just the beginning. Across Texas, lesser-known sites reveal the war’s far-reaching impact in unexpected ways—from women pilots and glider missions to POW camps and internment sites. These places tell a different kind of war story—one rooted right here in Texas.

Pictured: A B-17 Flying Fortress patrols the skies during WWII

Credit: Texas Historical Commission

Texas played a crucial role during World War II, serving as home to military training facilities, prisoner of war camps, and vital defense industries. Across the state, museums and historic sites preserve these important stories of sacrifice, innovation, and resilience. Plan your journey through Texas' WWII heritage with these significant destinations that bring history to life.

National Museum of the Pacific War - Fredericksburg

Tucked in the Texas Hill Country, and far from any ocean, stands a world-class museum dedicated to the Pacific Theater of World War II. Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and the National Museum of the Pacific War honors his wish to honor those who served in the Pacific. Featuring powerful storytelling, the museum paints a vivid picture of the epic battles and life on the Homefront. When you visit, be sure you include the exhibits on the Doolittle Raid, Pearl Harbor, and the new “Children on the Homefront: Growing Up with War” exhibits.

While the National Museum of the Pacific War is a cornerstone, Texas holds many lesser-known WWII sites with surprising and unusual stories of their own.

Visitors enjoying the interactive exhibits at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg

Credit: Texas Historical Commission

7 Unexpected WWII Sites in Texas

World War II is one of the most studied periods in our history. Yet every day, new stories of bravery and heroism are unearthed. And though the battles were fought on other continents and on the sea, Texas also has some interesting stories to tell and places that are worth visiting to learn about them.

1. No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum – Terrell

Where thousands of British pilots learned to fly—in Texas. This unique transatlantic program trained Royal Air Force cadets right alongside Americans in East Texas skies. Beyond its collection of artifacts and memorabilia, the museum brings history to life through the personal stories they tell.

Pictured: A portion of a T-6 Texan WWII Trainer at the No. 1 British Flying Training Museum

Credit: Don Johnson

2. National WASP WWII Museum – Sweetwater

Honoring the trailblazing Women Airforce Service Pilots, this museum shines a light on the women who flew military aircraft when the country needed them most and preserves the legacy of Avenger Field where most of their training took place. The brave women featured here were the first women to fly military aircraft in the United States.

Pictured: The WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater

Credit: Barbara Brannon

3. Silent Wings Museum – Lubbock

Dedicated to WWII glider pilots, this museum explores the daring missions flown in engineless aircraft—quiet, dangerous, and often forgotten in traditional war narratives. While there, you’ll learn about flying huge gliders that actually carried military cargo into combat zones!

Pictured: The Silent Wings Museum at sunset

Credit: Texas Plains Trail Region

4. Iwo Jima Museum and Monument State Historic Site – Harlingen

This striking monument features a full-scale model of the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima, sculpted by artist Dr. Felix de Weldon. Remarkably, de Weldon created this version years before the national memorial was cast in bronze, using three local Marines from the nearby base as models. Today, the site honors not only the historic moment but also the strong connection between the Rio Grande Valley and the legacy of military service.

Backlit Iwo Jima Memorial in Harlingen, TX

Pictured: The striking Iwo Jima Monument in Harlingen

Credit: How Big Is Texas?

5. Doris Miller Memorial – Waco

Along the banks of the Brazos River in Waco stands a striking tribute to Doris “Dorie” Miller, a local hero whose bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor challenged racial barriers and inspired a nation. As a Navy mess attendant, Miller manned an anti-aircraft gun—without formal training—and defended his ship, actions that earned him the Navy Cross, making him the first African American to receive this honor.

Pictured: The Doris Miller Memorial in Waco

Credit: Sheila Scarborough

6. Crystal City Enemy Alien Internment Camp – Crystal City

This site tells a haunting and often overlooked chapter of World War II history. During the war, Crystal City held Japanese, German, and Italian civilians—including entire families—who were labeled “enemy aliens” by the U.S. government.

Pictured: The state historical marker marking the the location of the former Crystal City Family Internment Camp

Credit: Texas Historical Commission

7. Camp Hereford Italian POW Chapel – Hereford

Once home to over 5,000 Italian prisoners of war, Camp Hereford shares a lesser-known story of wartime detainment in rural Texas. Using their significant artistic talents, a team of POWs constructed a small chapel to mark the graves of the deceased. The chapel still stands at the site today. The Deaf Smith County Museum has an exhibit dedicated to this story, and St Mary's Catholic Church in nearby Umbarger features murals that were painted by the POWs. Tours are available if scheduled in advance.

Continue Your WWII History Journey

You might not expect Texas to have such deep connections to World War II, but these sites showcase the Lone Star State's extraordinary stories. Whether you're interested in military history or technological innovation, visit the Texas Time Travel website for more information about these and other WWII sites across Texas—including interactive maps, themed tours, and special events.

The Texas Historical Commission's Military History Program further preserves this rich legacy by identifying, interpreting, and promoting historic military sites from the Texas Revolution through the Cold War era. Through heritage tourism initiatives and educational resources, the program ensures these stories of service and sacrifice are remembered for generations.

Start exploring today and discover how Texas helped shape the outcome of World War II, both on the battlefield and the home front.