Palmetto State Park
Independence Trail Region
Palmetto State Park, with its tropical ecosystem, sits in a part of East-Central Texas along the San Marcos River that was largely settled during the days of the Buffalo Soldiers. However, they still wielded influence, especially during Reconstruction. Units like the 9th Cavalry were tasked with keeping order and upholding federal law across Texas after the Civil War, and their patrols could have reached into Gonzales County to support local authorities or protect citizens. Visit the park’s unique, shady environment on kayaks in the oxbow lake or on foot on the hiking trails and reflect on how these soldiers played a role in a period of societal change.