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The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Austin, Texas
Telling the Story of the State Texas Style
by Carl Burnham
Everything's big in Texas, including the state's rich heritage.
Located just up the street from the state capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas
State History Museum details the many events that have formed the
history of the state. Covering three floors, the exhibits progress from
the early beginnings to the modern space age, with over 700 artifacts on
display.
Bob Bullock devoted 40 years to working for the
state as Comptroller and as Lt. Governor. Through his efforts the
history museum came into being. Some of his private collection of
memorabilia are on display (such as items used in the Lonesome Dove
series). When first walking into the rotunda of the Museum be sure to
take note of the circular artwork and campfire scene (best appreciated
by viewing from above). For a snapshot giving the highlights of the
historic events that have shaped Texas, be sure to watch The Star of
Destiny in the Spirit Theatre.
Karankawa Canoe
Native Americans were the first settlers of Texas, and
are chronicled on the first floor as well as the early history of Texas
before it became a Republic. Shipwrecked at Matagorda Bay in 1685, the
remains of the French La Belle ship remained a mystery
until discovered by archaeologists in 1995. A flagship of the French
explorer Robert de La Salle, it is regarded as one of the great finds of
the century. Several artifacts from the shipwreck are on display, with
official title to the artifacts belonging to France.
Alamo Exhibit
The second floor chronicles the struggles of
pioneers as they rallyed into a ragtag army to fight against Santa
Anna's overwhelming Mexican forces. Before heading to the Alamo, Davy
Crockett is reported to have said, "You may all go to
hell and I will go to Texas."
The Alamo exhibit details the event
through realistic displays and film and how it eventually led to victory
at the Battle of San Jacinto River by Sam Houston's army as they
captured Santa Anna and his forces.
The third level focuses on the various industries that
have propelled the state into a leadership role, including ranching,
the oil industry, and aviation.
Neat old signs and gas pumps are on display
chronicling local companies that blazed a trail in oil discoveries such
as Humble, Esso, Magnolia, and Gulf.
When visiting Dallas, look for the trademark glowing
red Pegasus flying horse overhead made famous by Magnolia Petroleum
that sits atop the Magnolia Hotel in Dallas.
We walked through a special exhibit on Texas Aviation which including a
Fighting Corsairs plane. The Corsair was the Navy's first 400 mph
fighter plane bringing down Japanese planes in record numbers during
WWII. With folded wings, Corsairs were able to be transported easily on
U.S. warships. These planes were made in Dallas, with P-51 and AT-6
planes also built near there in Grand Prairie. During the height of
WWII, there were 63 military bases and airfields in Texas. The Texas
Aviation exhibit also included a history of local airlines, notable
astronauts, and NASA's involvement in the state.
IMAX Theatre
The innovative IMAX Theatre is a truely visual
experience, with 2-D and 3-D viewing capability, and seating for 400.
The Cafe Museum is open daily, serving salads, sandwiches, burgers, and
of course Texas made Blue Bell ice cream. Visit the museum store for
plenty of Texas themed items to take home, including shirts, books,
replicas of vintage flags, revolvers, and even replicas of Texas
Republic money. Check their website also for upcoming special events, films, and live entertainment.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Map
1800 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78711
Numerous exhibits throughout the museum are interactive, providing young and old a learning experience as history comes alive.
1930 Movie Theatre Neon Sign
Plan to spend several hours walking through the many exhibits, view the exhibit films, and also take in a larger than life movie experience at the IMAX theatre.