Texas Landmarks: 10 Must-See Sites

Texas is a state that prides itself on its particular spirit in independence. Largely, it stems from the famous Texas Revolution, which liberated the state from the rule of Mexico in the 1800s.

Lots of landmarks in Texas are in some way dedicated to this spirit. But there’s a lot more to Texas than just fighting. It also has proud traditions of frontier life (cowboys, anyone?), colonial heritage and influence, and space travel!

Here are just 10 notable Texas things to see and do, based on landmarks that place you in the nation’s second-largest state.

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1. The Alamo

The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero, in San Antonio. It is the site of a famous battle during the Texas revolution in 1836. During the battle, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of the Mexican forces laid siege to the fort.

Though under debate, it is estimated that around 189 people defended the fort, all of whom lost their lives. Around 600 Mexican soldiers died attacking the fort.

The Texas revolution is so named for a rebellion of Texas settlers against the Mexican central government. The US would not provide aid or troops, as doing so would have been an act of war. Eventually, the State of Texas won its independence, as civilians rallied to the cause.

You might enjoy reading my article on things for adults to do in San Antonio Texas.

2. Cadillac Ranch

In 1974 Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels created a sculpture and public art installation garden. It was marked by a number of Cadillac cars seemingly half-buried in the sand. Notably, the art installation is in an open field and is free to anyone to visit, with no fences, lines or restrictive amenities of any kind.

Part of the charm of the location is that it sits off the stories Route 66. Visitors can also contribute a “tag” by spray painting one of the cars - spray paint is available for purchase.

3. USS Texas

There’s something quite intriguing about seeing the inside of a battleship, and the USS Texas was a museum that allows you the experience. Sadly, it has been closed to the public due to its slowly decaying state - it is more than 100 years old.

But you can still see its hulking frame - it will be sitting anchored in the Galveston Dry Dock in 2022. It is undergoing repair work, and hopefully, it will be open to the public once more.

You might enjoy reading my article on the most beautiful places in Texas.

4. Strand Historic District

This National Historic Landmark District consists of Victorian-era buildings in the heart of Galveston. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, noted for its remarkable architecture, especially for the island city.

Visitors enjoy the five-block area as mostly a commercial hub, visiting shops, art galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Annually, the district celebrates a popular mardi gras festival, and the Christmas celebrations here are truly festive and special.

5. Fort Worth Stockyards

Texas has a place in popular culture that suggests cattle drives, among other things. The Fort Worth stockyards embody this idea, especially because you can attend and witness an actual cattle drive here twice a day!

The entire attraction is akin to a retelling of what life in Texas might have been like during the frontier years, and many buildings and activities show off some of the old traditions. You can check out a rodeo, or simply admire the truly old-style buildings that seem to have been frozen in time. Best of all, admission is free for a general visit to the “town”!

6. Caverns of Sonora

This unique cave structure is known for incredible calcite crystal formations. The caves run about 90 metres deep. You can tour the caverns of Sonora in groups of six or twelve. A typical tour lasts around two hours.

It is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning cave structures in the region, well worth seeing and touring. The caves are estimated to have formed around two million years ago.

7. Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

The beautiful Fulton Mansion State looks like something out of the Caribbean colonial era, with its tall palm trees fronting a gorgeous Second Empire mansion. The house itself is famous for its architecture, especially the methods used in its construction and its remarkable advanced mechanical ideas for its time.

The four-story mansion started construction in 1872. Among the notable features are gas-powered lighting, indoor plumbing and hot running water. The house can be toured today offering superb insight into the 1800s and early 1900s Texas living.

8. Bishop’s Palace

The ornate and unmistakable Bishop’s palace is a house built from granite, limestone and sandstone, jutting proudly into the sky on Broadway Avenue in Galveston. It was actually a residential home, serving as the seat of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston for many years.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it can be toured today - it is also known as Gresham’s Palace, as it was built and once owned by Walter and Josephine Gresham. Some say the house is haunted, which makes for an even more exciting visit.

9. John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy looms large in the memory of the US. This memorial sits in the West End District of Dallas, the city where he was shot and killed. The site of the memorial is about 60m east of the exact site of the incident.

The simple design is nonetheless iconic, said to represent the open and empty tomb of Kennedy’s spirit. Each of the granite squares that surround the memorial is inscribed with a passage, part of which reads: “It is not a memorial to the pain and sorrow of death, but stands as a permanent tribute to the joy and excitement of one man's life.”

10. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

You are able to visit the resting place of another president in Texas, as Lyndon B. Johnson’s ranch lies within the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall.

President Johnson was born and is buried here, and you can obtain a pass to drive through the park to the ranch. The ranch is notable for its regular mention during LBJ’s presidency - it is estimated he spent 20% of his time there, leading to the ranch being called “The Texas White House”.