The town served as the primary base of operations for the 'Old Three Hundred' settlers who founded the first Anglo-American colony in Texas.
Residents burned the town to the ground in March 1836 as part of the 'Runaway Scrape' retreat strategy during the Texas Revolution.
The site contains rare physical evidence of early 19th-century domestic and commercial life, preserved underground for nearly two centuries.
Stephen F. Austin operated his land office from this location, effectively managing the settlement of Texas for the Mexican government.
The museum uses digital mapping and holographic projections to demonstrate how the town layout shifted over its brief, volatile history.
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site marks the location of the 1823 headquarters of Stephen F. Austin’s colony and the unofficial capital of Mexican Texas. The site features a 10,000-square-foot museum that documents the transition of the region from a Spanish-governed province to an independent republic. Visitors can explore archeological excavations, original townsite remnants, and interactive exhibits detailing the lives of early settlers and their relationships with the Karankawa and Tonkawa peoples. The grounds include protected remains of the town that was burned by its own residents during the Runaway Scrape in 1836 to prevent the Mexican army from using its resources. It currently serves as the official interpretive center for the Texas Historical Commission regarding the foundational era of the Republic of Texas.
The life-sized bronze statue of Stephen F. Austin situated near the museum entrance provides a thematic focal point for photography.
Walk the outdoor trails that wind through the original townsite foundation areas to connect the indoor exhibits to the physical history.
Check the event calendar for living history demonstrations that often feature period-accurate blacksmithing or colonial crafts.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on crushed granite paths and uneven terrain.
Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter of the site without checking the weather forecast, as there is limited shade outside the main museum building.
Closed on most major holidays.
Respect the archaeological dig sites by staying on designated paths; maintain a quiet demeanor in the indoor exhibit halls.
