The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site

The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site preserves a portion of the townsite of San Felipe de Austin that served as the colonial capital of Texas. Visitors also explore the life of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," and his impact on the settlement and independence of Texas.

The site preserves a portion of the townsite of San Felipe de Austin that served as the colonial capital of Texas. Visitors also explore the life of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," and his impact on the settlement and independence of Texas.
On a picturesque bluff overlooking the Brazos River, the story of Austin and the pioneers that followed him to Texas is told through exhibits in the new 10,000 square-foot musuem, statues, monuments, historical markers, a replica cabin and the Josey Store.

Founded in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin, San Felipe de Austin served as the capital for the colony Austin established in Mexican-owned Texas. Stephen F. Austin had the single greatest impact on the history of Texas between 1821 and 1835. His San Felipe house, Austin wrote in the last few weeks of his life, was the only Texas home he had that he could call his own. After serving as the first capital of the Texas government during the Texas Revolution, the town was burned to the ground in March 1836.

In 1928 the community dedicated a memorial park in honor of Austin and San Felipe's rich history. Donated to the State of Texas in 1940, the historic site is now operated by the Texas Historical Commission. The Friends of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site assist in the operation of the facility by raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and organizing special events.

San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Museum is now open!

On April 27, 2018 the Texas Historical Commission opened it's new 10,000 square-foot state-of-the-art museum at San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site.

This new museum offers visitors a chance to see unique objects on display including a desk that once belonged to Stephen F. Austin, an 1830s cast iron printing press, and many artifacts recovered during archeological investigations at the site.

Commemorating the pivotal years of Texas’ history, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site preserves the location where Stephen F. Austin established his colony in 1823. Walk in the footsteps of the early pioneers in Texas history at what was once the social, economic, and political center, as well as the first capital of the provisional government of Texas.

Learn about the early history of San Felipe "The Cradle of Texas Liberty" at the San Felipe de Austin State Historical Site.

220 2nd Street, San Felipe, Texas

VisitSanFelipeDeAustin.com

Site Hours:
Visitors center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

For information on Special Weekend Programs visit the Groups & Tours section on the Visitors Information page on the Texas Historical Commission's website:
VisitSanFelipedeAustin.com

or contact:
City of San Felipe: 979-885-7035
Stephen F. Austin State Park: 979-885-2811

Don't miss our Group Tours & Special Events page for events including:

Archeology Awareness month during October