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Written by Shirley T
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Thursday, 17 December 2009 09:20 |
The Story of Texas is revealed here. From its beginning prior to Anglo settlements or European explorations until 1970s when prosperity was demonstrated in ranching, oil/gas industries and leading in space/aeronautics fields.
Sits at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Martin Luther King (MLK) Blvd in Austin Downtown, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is easily located with the obvious 35-foot tall bronze Lone Star sculpture in front of its facade.
It is also a few blocks away from the north entrance of the famous landmark - The State Capitol Complex. As you enter, do not miss the a colorful terrazzo floor in the museum’s rotunda featuring an aerial view of daily activities enduring themes from Texas’ past. The best spot to view this image is at second or third floor.
If you happen to visit on first Saturday of the month from 2pm to 6pm, the admission fee is waived courtesy of Wells
Fargo. Otherwise, the fee is $7 for an adult to enter the exhibits section.
Texas State History Museum is a three-floor building featuring the history of Texas in sequential manner (if one goes by the floor/level) with interactive exhibits, a few mini theaters to view documentary, special effect shows in Texas
Spirit Theater and the state-of-art facility of the IMAX theater with a giant screen.
Level One or first floor is the venue to experience the life of the natives/Indians at Gulf Coast region, then Spanish colonization followed by France for a short period. Mexico took over right after until 1836. Tension led to immigration
and civil wars and the force to move to west. Some exhibits or historical documents displayed may state Tejas. Tejas is the former name of Texas. It is an Indian word which means 'friend'.
Ascending to second floor, the exhibits detail the battles during the revolution and the road to independence besides
the effort made to build the Lone Star identity. In the battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna was finally captured and forced to sign the Treaties of Velasco which marked ending of war. Finally, Texas was a republic with Sam Houston as the first president.
Top floor wraps up the story of Texas by sharing the opportunity on the land with ranches and agriculture. Since then, it holds the identity as the American cattle industry. Until today, Texas is prominently associated with the image of the cowboy in Hollywood although some films were made in Arizona! Oil was discovered in early 1900s which initiated an economic boom and diversification. Today, Texas is the new frontiers in energy, computers, electronics, aerospace and biomedical sciences.
Spare at least 3 to 4 hours for the visit.
Getting there?
1800 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 936 4649
Toll Free: (866) 369 7108
Website: www.TheStoryOfTexas.com
Visiting hours: Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.
Note: Photography is prohibited within the museum exhibits and theaters.
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Austin Attraction | The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - The Story of Texas
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