BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!

THE FATHER OF TEXAS SLEPT HERE

There’s another world of discovery just outside the park -- the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. When the Stephen F. Austin State Park opened in 1940, the historical site of San Felipe de Austin and an adjacent golf course were all under the management of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Today, the Historic Site is managed separately by the Texas Historical Commission. It is one of the most important sites in the state’s rich history. The original town of San Felipe was the headquarters of Stephen F. Austin’s extensive colonies in Mexican Texas. Austin is known as “the Father of Texas.” In 1836, after the Alamo fell, the residents burned the town to the ground to keep their resources out of General Santa Anna’s hands while they fled across the Brazos River. The town never recovered its past prominence. Today, as a state historic site, it features a modern visitor center and state-of-the-art museum. There are also beautifully restored buildings and businesses and short walking trails where you can learn more. The 9-hole Stephen F. Austin Golf Course, now in private hands, is just outside the entrance to the park.