(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)
Remember the Alamo! Rember Goliad!!
Nerd alert… and I’m okay with that. Gosh y’all, if you live in Texas, I shouldn’t have to explain to you the innate sense of state pride you should possess.
I mean, this is Texas guys. Remember, the state that was once its own republic. The state that said, “Take that Santa Anna!” and held up the famously recognizable flag with a cannon on it boldly stating, “Come and take it!”
Yee-haw! If that doesn’t get your engine going and make your Texas pride swell, I’d venture to say you’re not Texan.
I taught all my bears Texas history a summer ago but just recently had the chance to visit the place where our freedom was obtained, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site!
Gosh y’all, it was beautiful. We pulled up to the world’s tallest monument, (because everything’s bigger in Texas y’all), surrounded by stately mature trees and a serious-looking reflecting pool.
We climbed the tall steps and were immediately greeted with the history of the battle on the outer-base walls of the monument.
Upon entering in the monument doors, we took account of the first level exhibits.
First Floor:
There is a small entry fee; find current ticket prices here. Frankly, the small fee is totally worth it to keep this Texas history preserved for generations to come.
Our first stop was the small theater located to the right of the entry door. A short (about 30 mins) and well-made film is presented depicting the history of the fight for Texas independence.
The film engaged the attention of all of my bears. Given that their current age ranges are between 4-11, it’s appropriate to say that this is not a boring history documentary.
I’d also like to recommend prioritizing the film first before venturing off to other parts of the museum. Having this history fresh in my mind helped me enjoy and appreciate the other exhibits and artifacts a bit more.
The first floor contains your exhibits and gift shop, the middle floors are either restricted or require appointments for access, (library, offices, etc.), and the top floor holds your breath taking view of the San Jacinto battle ground!
Aside:
Being that we are parents of younger-aged bears, we are accustomed to not being able to take in every detail of every exhibit.
In earlier years this would have frustrated me as I love to learn and would love to take in every detail of every museum I visit.
I have come to adopt the mindset that if I walk away from a learning experience, such as a museum, and am able to gain one or two new pieces of knowledge or even have former knowledge sink in just a bit more, then it was a successful experience!
Thus, if you find yourself in a similar boat as me, I encourage you to find the silver-lining and challenge yourself on your idea of a successful trip/experience.
Artifacts:
Back to the exhibits! These really can be given any amount of time that you want but we did a walk through in about 20 minutes.
A few of my favorite artifacts were some pieces of “Texas champagne china (dinnerware)”, Stephen F Austin’s Mexican beaded carrying-case, and the many elaborate looking swords taken straight from the battlefield.
Gift Shop:
The gift shop is appealing for kids and adults. My bears walked away with Texas themed croc-charms and my husband and I grabbed a mug and a Christmas tree ornament.
Though, I will say, they had a very attractive selection of books including one that compiled the letters and journal entries of Sam Houston! If you have a fair amount of nerdiness running through your veins, bring your spending money.
Top Floor:
We then bravely stepped onto an old looking elevator and climbed our way to the tip-top of the monument and gosh was it worth it.
The view is awe-inspiring!
Cue the patriotic music. Being able to see the battle field from this vantage point really does make your Texas-loving heart swell.
The grounds are beautiful and the thought of so many brave men fighting for freedom makes it that much more impactful. Plus, check out that legit limestone y’all! (Nerdy-nerd, nerd).
Outside:
To top off our Texas independence experience, we attended a historic gun display outside by the reflecting pool.
I have boy bears so of course smoke and loud sounds are right up their alley.
Honestly though, it was very interesting. The monument employees demonstrated weighing out gun powder, using a ram rod, and of course firing the guns; all things a soldier fighting along side Sam Houston would have had to do.
If you can swing it, visit the monument and battleground on the annual San Jacinto Day celebration where you can witness live reenactments of the battle. Check for dates and more information here.
If you are a Texan, whether you homeschool or not, get yourself and your kids to the San Jacinto Battleground and let your Texas pride grow even more!
What about you? Have you visited the world’s largest monument or do you have another favorite spot to experience Texas history? I’d love to know in the comments!
