7 Historic Sites in Houston You Should Visit
Of all the cities in Texas, the Lone Star State’s first capital is the most historically rich. Houston historical sites are dotted throughout the beautiful city from downtown to neighboring communities. Since its founding in 1836, Houston has been a staple of Texan commerce, industry and liberty. Which is exactly why the numerous historical sites in Houston are extremely well kept by the city and its proud residents. You could spend weeks trying to see all the things Houston has to offer, so here we will summarize some of the most intriguing historical places in Houston.
Battleship Texas
This National Historic Landmark and National Mechanical Landmark was both the last battleship to participate in World War I and World War II and the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. It’s also the flagship of the Texas Navy. First launched in 1912, it was decommissioned in 1948 and now sits in the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and offers a variety of tours and programs for people of all ages.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History
The San Jacinto Museum of History contains one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts and history. The site was established in honor of those who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, after which Texas gained independence. Of equal importance, the museum was intended to promote friendship of the once-tumultuous relationship between Texas, Mexico, Spain, France and Latin America. The museum today features more than 17,000 objects; 18,000 volumes; and 700 linear feet of manuscript from Texas, the United States and Mexico. From ancient Mayan and Aztec artifacts to antique weaponry and Mexican artwork, the San Jacinto Museum is one of the true Houston, Texas, historical landmarks. Likewise, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war memorial in the world — 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument — and stands for those who fought for Texas’ independence.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Bayou Bend’s Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most aesthetically stimulating things to do in Houston. This house-turned-museum is the former residence of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg. The Bayou Bend Collection is currently considered one of the nation’s largest and best American decorative arts collections. It features objects, designs, crafts and art dating from approximately 1620 to 1876. The 28 period room settings include some of the most accurate depictions of Colonial America to date. Just outside the museum are the immaculate Bayou Bend Gardens with several individual gardens dedicated to the Texas environment surrounding it.
Lone Star Flight Museum
A 130,000-square-foot facility housing a variety of historic aircraft dating back to World War I, the Lone Star Flight Museum is a world-class attraction. The museum also features inspiring exhibits of Texas aviation history, including the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. And for those who want the full pilot experience, the museum’s Flight Academy takes you on an immersive adventure through the skies.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Buffalo Soldiers are African American military members who served in the U.S. Army since the Civil War. This museum dedicated to their legacy is among the most eye-opening historical sites in Houston. It features exhibits of Buffalo Soldier military action throughout the Civil War, Vietnam War, World War I and World War II, along with reenactments and history exploration programs.
Sam Houston Park
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is the most historically accurate way to walk through historic Houston as it was in the old days. The park is filled with the oldest buildings and homes in Houston, curated and cared for by The Heritage Society. From the opulent 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the oldest surviving building in Houston, to the Fourth Ward House where poor immigrants lived from 1883, you can experience the diversity of Houston’s past through walking tours, exhibitions and collections. While most of the buildings in Sam Houston Park were relocated from other areas of the city, they are all in near-identical original condition. This park is a must-see for historical places in Houston.
Space Center Houston
The most modern and high-tech of all Houston historical sites is Space Center Houston. It’s the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center as well as the first Smithsonian Affiliate in Houston. The center contains a thorough collection of America’s space programs, many exhibits and captivating events. Most intriguing — Independence Plaza, which is an eight-story shuttle replica exhibit, the Mission Mars exhibit, and the NASA Tram Tour, which takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center. It’s one of the ultimate things to do in Houston for science and history enthusiasts.
Your Home in Historic Houston
If you’re a history buff who would love exploring Houston’s history, or a hobby enthusiast who prefers activities closer to home, The Buckingham is the right place for you. You’re our first priority. That means we want to provide you with every opportunity to pursue what brings you happiness and enhance your already enriching lifestyle — all with the reassurance of lifetime care at one address. The Buckingham is not only the definitive luxury retirement community in Houston — it’s also a community where the rewarding lifestyle you’ve worked for is fueled each day by wide-open choices. Whether you need independent living or assisted living our community can provide you with the home tailored to you.