Flip the pages of the Texas history book in the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. With three floors of exhibits, the modern museum examines the state’s struggles, individuality and innovation. Here you will experience the riveting story of the Lone Star State which has seen six different ruling governments: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America.
A 10-metre tall bronze sculpture of the Lone Star salutes you as you arrive. From there, delve into the history of this state through the three themed floors: Land (first floor), Identity (second floor) and Opportunity (third floor).
Begin your visit on the first floor, where you will see Native American artefacts used by the people who lived here long before the arrival of the Europeans in North America. Learn about the aboriginal people of Texas and follow the Spanish missions in the 16th century and the arrival of the French. See the bronze cannon salvaged from La Belle, the ship that belonged to 17th-century French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle. The ship was found in Matagorda Bay off the coast of Texas.
Head to the second floor to understand how the state's identity was built over the centuries of conflicts. Handwritten letters and diaries from the 1820s bring to life the citizens' growing frustration at being part of Mexico. Duck into a restored gunboat used to defend Texas during the Civil War.
Texas' past and future lies in its land, from its ranches to its oil refineries, and the third floor examines this intricate relationship. See where the Longhorn cattle originated, learn about innovations in farming and understand the prosperity brought by the oil industry.
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is located in downtown Austin. An admission fee is charged but you can enter free of charge on the first Sunday of each month. It’s open every day with the exception of public holidays, and free parking is available.
