Texas State Parks History and Archeology

Texas State Parks History and Archeology We advocate excellence in stewardship of the historic resources within Texas State Parks.
(4)

A New Deal program enacted by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps built over 50 state parks in Texas, and many others in states across the nation. The bridges, cabins, refectories, lookout towers, and other structures were designed to blend with the natural world they beckoned visitors to enjoy. CCC parks are our state parks' legacy, the first state parks system in Texas, built to remain for our future generations to enjoy.

The crew of the USS Texas received instructions on how to act in preparation for the Invasion of Normandy. I wasn't expe...
06/02/2026

The crew of the USS Texas received instructions on how to act in preparation for the Invasion of Normandy. I wasn't expecting #5, but it is solid advice.

Texas Parks & Wildlife is hiring two Preservation Specialists for our team! Preservation Specialists review projects aff...
05/30/2026

Texas Parks & Wildlife is hiring two Preservation Specialists for our team!

Preservation Specialists review projects affecting structures and sites over 45 years old and coordinate repair projects and trainings, through the professional application of the SOI Standards, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Antiquities Code of Texas. We're seeking historic preservation professionals who will be advocates for the history and built resources on State Parks properties.

Please see the job posting for more details: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00058548&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicag

The CCC created beautifully crafted stone structures throughout Texas during the 1930s. Here's one great example from Bl...
05/28/2026

The CCC created beautifully crafted stone structures throughout Texas during the 1930s. Here's one great example from Blanco State Park, the original "Caretaker's Residence".

Zoom in to take a look at the details. Each stone a different shape, but all fit together by CCC boys overseen by a local stonemason teaching their craft.

Originally the entrance and concession building for the park, the Caretaker's Residence eventually became office space for park staff after the new headquarters building was constructed.

Also note the circa 1942 Texas State Park Board diving woman logo on the side of the vehicles.

Enjoy spring at the Springs! Balmorhea State Park has the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world. Between 1935 an...
05/16/2026

Enjoy spring at the Springs! Balmorhea State Park has the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world. Between 1935 and 1938, Civilian Conservation Corps Company #1856 developed the park with the San Solomon Springs Pool as the focus.

Limestone walls line the perimeter of the pool, and an eight-foot flagstone walkway surrounds the border. The CCC completed construction of the pool in March 1936, and the park held an opening celebration on June 27, 1936, with a barbecue, baseball game, swimming races, and dance.

In November of 1934, an artist named Max Bachofen was sent to Davis Mountains by the Treasury Department's Public Works ...
05/14/2026

In November of 1934, an artist named Max Bachofen was sent to Davis Mountains by the Treasury Department's Public Works of Art Project to paint the newly built Civilian Conservation Corps camp that had recently begun work on Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge.

In his assignment, he was told "In Choosing your subject I wish you would stress the life and activities of the camp proper, or any buildings or construction programs which may be in progress".

Bachofen set up his easel and got to work, completing this painting of the CCC camp, with enrollees in the foreground and possibly one of the earliest images of Skyline Drive in the background.

The original painting now rests in the collections of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art after being transferred there by the National Park Service.

Cooperation between states was vital to creating Good Roads across the United States. In the late 1910s through the 1920...
05/09/2026

Cooperation between states was vital to creating Good Roads across the United States. In the late 1910s through the 1920s, states cooperated to create the first paved highway popularly known as the Bankhead Highway. From Shreveport to El Paso, individual cars could travel the width of Texas via State Highway 1.

Each county built their segment bit by bit; the sections from Fort Worth to Mineral Wells were paved in bricks!

Historic photos courtesy of the Boyce Ditto Public Library. View from Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TPWD.

For National Scrapbook Day, enjoy these pages from a CCC scrapbook, which contain photos of Garner State Park. From 1935...
05/03/2026

For National Scrapbook Day, enjoy these pages from a CCC scrapbook, which contain photos of Garner State Park. From 1935 to 1941, CCC Company 879 was stationed at Garner. The company constructed the entrance portal, roads, the keeper’s lodge, the combination building, dance pavilion, and cabins, among other features. The combination building was built with native limestone and hewn bald cypress.

Whether you attend a beauty pageant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, gather for family photos in a garden, or celebrate ...
04/25/2026

Whether you attend a beauty pageant on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, gather for family photos in a garden, or celebrate San Jacinto day at the Battleground, Miss Rhode Island is right, April 25th is a perfect date because it's not too hot and not to cool. All you need is a light jacket.

Did you know Miss Congeniality was filmed in Austin and San Antonio in 2000? Well, now you do.

We're celebrating the 100 year relationship between State Parks and the Texas Department of Transportation! First up, th...
04/18/2026

We're celebrating the 100 year relationship between State Parks and the Texas Department of Transportation! First up, the Hug-the-Coast Highway gave Texans access to the coast from to . As you might guess, the highway took a few direct hits over the decades including Hurricane Jerry in October of 1989 that destroyed the stretch between High Island and Sea Rim State Park; today the stretch is rewilding.

Hug-the-Coast letterhead courtesy of Texas State Library and Archives. Read more about the development of highways at https://www.tsl.texas.gov/exhibits/highways/depressionwar/page1.html.
View of Sea Rim SP visitors circa 1978 courtesy TPWD.

In honor of National Haiku Day, one of our regional archeologists helped us write this ode to Sea Rim State Park:Brackis...
04/18/2026

In honor of National Haiku Day, one of our regional archeologists helped us write this ode to Sea Rim State Park:

Brackish water clams
Shell midden and muddy boots
Rabid mosquitos

Address

4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX
78744

Telephone

+15123894800

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Texas State Parks History and Archeology posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category