Experience Living History in the Texas Independence Trail Region
We've curated the perfect day for Texas history lovers. Look below to see how you can experience history first-hand at Barrington Plantation, Kreische Brewery, Presidio la Bahia, San Felipe de Austin, San Jacinto Battleground, or Varner-Hogg Plantation state historic sites. Then stay awhile to visit more heritage attractions, try some tasty places to eat, and rest your road warrior head at some unique places to stay the night.
Want to see and do more? There's lots to do in the Texas Independence Trail Region! Learn more about visiting our cities, heritage sites and attractions, and exciting events on our website.
Living History Events at Barrington Plantation State Historic Site
Keeping gardens weeded, watered, and in good order was considered part of a woman’s daily duty in 1800s Texas. It contributed to a varied diet and survival in 1850. Lend a hand to help water, plant, or weed as necessary to help our gardens get ready for summer.
May 13-14: Plows & Petticoats: A Woman’s Role
Learn what life was like for women in the 1850s! Sewing, cleaning, cooking, and childcare comprise the main elements of the “Domestic Sphere” of 19th-century women. Areas of responsibility change when explored from the perspective of a mother, like Mrs. Jones, or an enslaved woman, like Mary, in the field.
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Living History Events at Kreische Brewery State Historic Site
May 6: In the Kreische Kitchen
Come up to the Bluff to experience a home-cooked meal made straight from the wood-burning stove in the Kreische kitchen! Enjoy traditional German Texan recipes and learn more about the everyday life of Heinrich, Josepha, and their children. Taste a bit of history through the cooking methods of the 19th century. Guided tours of the house will also be available.
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Living History Events at Presidio la Bahia State Historic Site
May 7-13: Self-Guided Tour of the Presidio
The Spanish Colonial Presidio, established on this site in 1749, was crucial to the development of Texas. Witnessing filibustering expeditions and playing a role in the Mexican war for independence from Spain, the Presidio was the site of the Goliad Massacre on Palm Sunday, 1836. It played host to one of the bloodiest chapters in Texas' quest for independence from Mexico after the shocking Texian defeat at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The massacre prompted the rallying cry, "Remember Goliad," heard at the Battle of San Jacinto.
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Living History Events at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
May 9-13: Self-Guided Tours of San Felipe de Austin
Commemorating the location where, in 1823, Stephen F. Austin established a headquarters for his colony in Mexican Texas, a state-of-the-art museum and historic townsite exhibit share the stories of early settlers in this region. Today, visitors can walk in the footsteps of these early pioneers at what was the social, economic, and political center of American immigration to Texas before independence.
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Living History Events at San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
During the Texas Revolution, Mexican soldiers fired pre-made cartridges filled with black powder and a musket ball wrapped in paper. Learn how they worked by making your own replica cartridge using candy in place of the bullet and gunpowder. We'll provide the materials; all you need is your creativity.
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Living History Events at Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
May 10-13: Self-Guided Tours of Varner-Hogg Plantation
Generations of Texas history, commerce, and entrepreneurship are encapsulated at Varner-Hogg Plantation, which tells the stories of the many families, both enslaved and free, who worked to build Texas. Both floors of the main house as well as the smokehouse and 1920s kitchen are open for self-guided tours. We suggest allowing additional time for walking the plantation grounds and viewing other areas of interest.
Where to Stay
Bluewater Resort Rentals
Coastal Sisters Charming Rentals
Quintana Beach County Park Cabins