South Texas Plains, Texas
Say hello to the Alamo - and adios to the winter blues and the summer doldrums. Soak up some sun in the tropical Rio Grande Valley. Stroll the streets of Laredo. Attend a fiesta, admire a Picasso, and savor a salsa-spiced snack. You will soon find that there is nothing plain about the South Texas Plains. Throughout the year, this fascinating region, from San Antonio to the Rio Grande, offers delights, muy especial!
Explore South Texas Plains
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
A handsome monument marks site where Col. James W. Fannin Jr. and his men surrendered to Mexican army after Battle of Coleto Creek Mar. 20, 1836. Though Fannin believed surrender was on honorable terms, Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna overruled local Mexican commander'
Fannin, TX Historic SitesRetama Park
Located on 226 acres, this beautiful racetrack opened for live racing in 1995. Features Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred races. Post time for races is 7 p.m., except on Sun. and holidays, when post time is 2
Selma, TX ParksFort Duncan
Established 1849 and occupied by three companies of 1st U.S. Infantry Regiment. During Civil War, post was occupied by Confederate troops of Frontier Regiment. Federal troops reoccupied post 1868; it remained under military authority until 1916
Eagle Pass, TX FortsChoke Canyon State Park
Choke Canyon State Park, consisting of two units, 385 acre South Shore and 1100 acre Calliham, is located on 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir, a water supply for Corpus Christi. The South Shore Unit is a day-use only park (6 a.m.-10 p.m.)
, TX CampingMission Nuestra Senora de la Purisma Concepcion
Established in 1731, more than 20 years under construction. Massive church with twin towers and cupola is oldest unrestored stone church in U.S., standing as completed in 1755
San Antonio, TX MissionsAtascosa River Park
Towering oak and pecan trees shade picnic area; also tennis courts, athletic fields, and a specially designed playground for children. Off U.S. 281
Pleasanton, TX ParksThe Alamo
The most famous spot in Texas, where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city'
San Antonio, TX MissionsMissions of San Antonio
In addition to the Alamo, which is managed by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, four other San Antonio missions form the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They were established by Franciscan friars in the early 18th century. A map for the "Mission Trail" driving route (
San Antonio, TX MissionsMission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo
Known as the Queen of Missions, is both a State and National Historic Site. Founded 1720; church built between 1768-82
San Antonio, TX MissionsFannin Plaza
City park at S. Market and Franklin Sts. Includes Texas Revolution cannon, memorial shaft and several historical markers. Nearby is hanging tree on courthouse lawn, and Market House Museum. Newly built children's park, "Fort Fun,"
Goliad, TX PlazasLucky Eagle Casino
Operated by the Kickapoo Indians, this handsome facility features bingo hall, and Las Vegas-type games with state-of-the-art equipment. Also features restaurant, sports bar and scheduled live entertainment. Off F.M. 1021 (El Indio Highway)
Eagle Pass, TX CasinosFort McIntosh
Established by Army in 1848 immediately following Mexican War, fort was in continuous use until May, 1946
Laredo, TX Forts