It was early morning, and I was flying down Interstate 10 with my radio on full blast, a fresh cup of coffee in my hand and the air conditioning cranked. Needless to say, it was a far cry from the way the first pioneers traveled through this same stretch of Texas in the 1820s to settle one of our most important towns.
I needed to connect with my past and so I set my GPS for the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site in Sealy.
Nestled on the banks of the Brazos River, this charming site was once the headquarters for Stephen F. Austin’s colony and is now a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Texians. I stepped into the museum and was amazed at the interactive exhibits, artifacts and displays that told the story of how Austin led 297 families—the Old Three Hundred—here and established the unofficial capital of Texas. This act of courage earned Austin the title of the Father of Texas.
For more than a decade, San Felipe was a major hub, and everyone important to the Texas Revolution passed through here.
I walked the timeline of how the town grew exponentially but was then abandoned and burned to the ground in a moment of fear known as the Runaway Scrape in 1836. Until recently, visitors had to use their imagination to envision the bustling townsite. But today, visitors can step inside meticulously recreated buildings, including a cabin and Austin’s empresario office. Fully costumed reenactors transported me back 200 years.
Visiting San Felipe gave me a new appreciation for the lifestyle and struggle of Texians. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover or simply need to be reminded of how thankful you are for modern conveniences, this is a must-see destination.
