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