Fredericksburg
German Heritage
Though it is most often known for its historical and cultural ties to Mexico, Texas also has a significant German heritage. That influence is on proud display in Fredericksburg, a small town about an hour and a half west of Austin.
Fredericksburg was founded by 140 German settlers in 1848, and remnants of German language, architecture and culture remain around the area today. Groups can learn about the town’s history at the Pioneer Museum, a three-acre historic area downtown with a number of buildings from the German era. The village includes several examples of “Sunday houses,” tiny one-room houses that farmers built to use when they came to town for church on Sundays.
Historic tours of Fredericksburg highlight several German-style “Fachwerk” buildings. And numerous restaurants and breweries in Fredericksburg pay homage to German cultural heritage with traditional cuisine and costumes.
While you’re there: Fredericksburg was the hometown of a World War II admiral Chester Nimitz, and today the city honors its son and his contemporaries with the National Museum of the Pacific War. This museum has numerous artifacts from the Pacific theater, including naval aircraft and submarines used by the Japanese during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
San Antonio
Remembering the Alamo
Any historic tour of Texas would be incomplete without a stop at the Alamo, a San Antonio mission that was the site of a pivotal 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution. The Alamo today sits in the heart of the city and is the most popular attraction in San Antonio.
The iconic mission building itself is now preserved as a shrine to those who died in the battle. Groups can tour the limited displays inside and visit with a docent for a summary of the events that took place there.
Outside of the main building, the Long Barrack Museum has many more detailed exhibits on the Alamo’s history, including many weapons and other items used in the battle there. The grounds also feature beautiful gardens that serve as a memorial to the Alamo’s defenders.
While you’re there: San Antonio has a number of distinct districts that regularly thrill visitors. The Riverwalk in the heart of the tourist district is perfect for al fresco dining or a sightseeing cruise. La Villita preserves the city’s Mexican heritage, and the Pearl Brewery complex has become the hip hub of contemporary shopping and dining.
