Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - 3:28pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas’ Republic-era past takes center stage with the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) recent acquisition of nine state historic sites. The sites’ legislative transfer from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department became official on September 1, 2019, increasing the...
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 - 2:46pm
By Miriam Suarez, Brownsville Downtown District Manager
Once a thriving commercial district, Downtown Brownsville fell on hard times in the 1980s after the devaluation of the Mexican peso, but downtown is experiencing a resurgence as public investment in historic structures and open spaces is attracting private investment.
Since 2009, the City of Brownsville has...
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 - 12:42pm
By Jeff Harris, Site Manager, Magoffin Home State Historic Site
Joseph Magoffin’s grandfather, Beriah Magoffin, was an immigrant from County Down, Ireland, who settled in Kentucky.
Joseph’s father, James Wiley Magoffin, was a trader on the Chihuahua-Santa Fe trail. James Wiley had contact with many American Indian groups as he traveled along the trail.
James Wiley...
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 4:19pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas caverns contain a natural sense of intrigue. How can these stunningly beautiful formations be hiding below scrubby patches of Hill Country landscape? How did someone first discover these otherworldly treasures? And how did they form in the first place?
Caverns played an important role in Texas...
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 4:02pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion; Photos by Patrick Hughey
“Man the halyards!”These ancient nautical terms flutter through the gusty Gulf Coast breeze aboard the 142-year-old Elissa, one of the only ships of its kind restored to full sailing capacity. The formerly moored...
Wednesday, July 3, 2019 - 11:52am
By Danielle Brissette, Collections Manager, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
For most Texans, the end of the Texas Revolution is a relatively simple story. Even our own museum implies that once the Battle of San Jacinto was won, Texas’ victory was completely secured. The truth is, it just wasn’t that simple.
Two entire Mexican armies, over 2,500 soldados strong...
Thursday, June 13, 2019 - 8:00am
By Andy Rhodes, Medallion Managing Editor
Photos by Patrick Hughey
THC Commissioner Lilia Garcia is standing on a balcony overlooking the Rio Grande. As she recalls stories about the formerly fluid movement between Brownsville and Matamoros, she sighs deeply. It’s been many years since she crossed the river to visit friends in Mexico. Although...
Thursday, May 30, 2019 - 9:55am
Enjoying history together is great family time. When your dad is a historian, though, sometimes you can’t help but be involved in history.
Daniel Grabitske is the 9-year old son of David Grabitske, site manager of our Landmark Inn State Historic Site in Castroville.
Daniel asked if he could lead tours of the site. Every historic site needs volunteers in all kinds of capacities...
Friday, May 17, 2019 - 4:22pm
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
In the early months of each year, the Rio Grande Valley’s population increases by about 100,000 people. Commonly known as Winter Texans, these semi-permanent residents flock from northern locales to Brownsville, McAllen, Mission, and other nearby cities for warmer temperatures and cultural opportunities.
Many...
Thursday, May 16, 2019 - 12:00am
It’s always a good time to visit a state historic site, but Texas anglers have a special reason to get hooked on history. Several of the Texas Historical Commission’s state historic sites offer amazing fishing opportunities year-round. State fishing rules apply at all sites.
Confederate Reunion Grounds1738 FM 2705, Mexia, TX 76667
Mexia’s Confederate Reunion Grounds...
Start your next adventure with the THC's new statewide travel guide, which highlights historic destinations in all 10 Texas Heritage Trail regions. Download a free copy today!
