From 1824 to 1836, San Felipe de Austin was the social and economic center of the American colonies in Texas and served as the colonial capital. The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site preserves a portion of the townsite, founded on the banks of the Brazos in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas,” and the 297 colonists who followed him. Their story is told through statues, monuments, historical markers, a replica cabin, and exhibits at the Josey Store Museum.

If you’d like to visit the “Cradle of Texas Liberty”, the park is free and open daily, though the museum is open only on weekends, seasonally, and by appointment.