San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

This Father’s Day, we honor the fathers who helped shape Texas history. We remember those who fought for their families, built new lives on the frontier, and passed their stories and values to future generations.

From the defenders of the Alamo to the soldiers who fought at San Jacinto, many of the men remembered in Texas history were also fathers, sons, and grandfathers. Their sacrifices and determination helped build the communities we know today.

As you celebrate with family this weekend, take a moment to reflect on the fathers whose courage, hard work, and dedication left a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site!

This summer, the San Jacinto Museum is again offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families. This offer begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Please share this with the military families that you know.

Blue Star Museums is an effort to improve the quality of life for active-duty military families, with a particular focus on the approximately 2 million children who have had at least one parent deployed since 2001. Blue Star Museums was created to show support for military families who have faced multiple deployments and the challenges of reintegration. This program offers these families a chance to visit museums this summer, when many will have limited resources and limited time to be together.

Check out our hours of operation to plan your visit: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/visit/Hours_and_Directions/

The story of Juneteenth began on June 19th, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and issued General Order Number 3, resulting in the emancipation of over 250,000 enslaved people throughout the state of Texas. The holiday became seen as “Emancipation Day” -- a celebration of freedom and resilience.

Today, we honor the legacy of those who fought for liberation and recognize Emancipation Day as a time for reflection, education, and community. Juneteenth honors the strength, perseverance, and voices of those who endured slavery and built new futures in freedom.

Visit the San Jacinto Battleground to explore the complex and evolving history of Texas and the stories that shaped our state.

Since its formal opening in 1939, people have captured moments in front of the San Jacinto Monument. The 567-foot-tall monument serves as a striking backdrop. Adorned with Cordova shell stone, beautiful brass doors, triumphant friezes, and Art Deco details, it is an irresistible photo opportunity for visitors.

Join staff by the main entrance to receive a complimentary instant photograph of yourself or your group in front of the historic monument. Learn about its rich history and explore a pop-up gallery showcasing visitors’ photos throughout the years.

When: Sunday, June 21st
Where: San Jacinto Museum
Age Range: All ages

Cost: Free

Hey La Porte residents! This summer, we're giving back to our community with FREE admission to the San Jacinto Museum every Thursday in June and July!

When: Every Thursday in June & July

Time: 9 AM to 6 PM

Location: San Jacinto Museum, open Wednesday to Sunday

Bring proof of La Porte residency and explore our exhibits, delve into the rich history of Texas, and enjoy a day at the museum on us!

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to discover more about our heritage right in your backyard! See you there!

This Saturday!

The roads within the San Jacinto State Historic Site open early for bicyclists. No motorized vehicles will be allowed into the site during this time to promote safe bicycling.

Entrance for cyclists will be from the gate near the end of the Reflection Pool; drivers will be asked to park in the graveled area outside that gate.

Note: Since Cycling Saturday takes place before the site opens, minimal facilities are available. The only restrooms are located at the end of Park Road 1836. Make sure to bring enough water.

Cycling Saturday takes place on the second Saturday of every month.

Settlers on the Texas frontier, especially settlers who lived far from the urban centers like San Felipe de Austin and Columbia like the McCormicks, sometimes had to rely on their own skill to make fabric for clothing. Women made homespun cotton fabric using spinning wheels and primitive looms.

Mary Rabb, who immigrated to Texas with her husband John in 1823, recalled her early days in Texas, saying, “Andrew Rabb made a spinning wheel and made me a present of it. Then I was very much pleased and soon got work to make clothing for my family…. I kept my spinning wheel whistling all day and also a good part of the night.”

Learn more about traditional spinning and weaving at a demonstration from the Bay Area Weavers and Spinners every second Saturday at the San Jacinto Museum.

When: every second Saturday; drop in between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Where: San Jacinto Museum

Age Range: All ages

Cost: Free with purchase of ticket to the San Jacinto Museum.

The Texians created and used multiple flags throughout the Texan Revolution to represent their cause, six of which we fly daily at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. All flags sent a visual message, and the Texian army had a lot to say! From the crystal-clear invitation to “Come and Take It” on the Gonzales flag, to the symbolic Liberty flag flown at the battle of San Jacinto, these flags proudly display the goals and intentions of the Revolution.
Discover what our six flags represent and learn about the study of vexillology while creating your own flag!
When: Saturday, June 6; drop in between 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: San Jacinto Museum
Age Range: Kids 5+; younger children are welcome but will need to have an adult to help.


Cost: Child admission is free with the purchase of an adult ticket

This Saturday, June 6th!

The native prairie, tidal marsh, and bottomland forest appear much as they did during the Battle of San Jacinto and are home to more than 200 species of birds. From the 1,210-foot long marsh trail and boardwalk, visitors will spot coastal birds like the Red-winged Blackbird, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Mottled Duck, Osprey, and White Pelican as well as other wetland denizens such as the River Otter.

The best time for birding is first thing in the morning, so the site will open two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy early morning at the site, from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. The site is open to vehicles, but please be respectful of those enjoying the wildlife and keep noise to a minimum. Enter at the gates off Vista Road or Independence Parkway.

Note: Since this event takes place before the Monument and Museum open, minimal facilities are available. The only restrooms are located at the end of Park Road 1836.

For more information, email or call 281.479.2431.