Texas State Parks History and Archeology

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

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.

Happy ! Celebrated twice a year—in May and October—WMBD reminds us that bird migration through Texas is one of the busi...
10/10/2026

Happy ! Celebrated twice a year—in May and October—WMBD reminds us that bird migration through Texas is one of the busiest times of year in our skies. If you can, .

We hold examples in TPWD's artifact collection of stamps created for the Texas Hunting Stamp program. Starting in 1981, the Texas duck stamp, the waterfowl stamp (1982) and the non-game stamp (1985) raised funds for conservation of game, non-game, and endangered species. TPWD stopped issuing stamps in 1995.

October is National Family History Month! We’re honored to have hosted generations of reunions across the state, such as...
10/03/2026

October is National Family History Month! We’re honored to have hosted generations of reunions across the state, such as this 1954 family reunion at Lake Brownwood. What parks have become part of your family history?

Fall...is here? Once upon a time, when a Texan wanted to pretend that it was fall, we'd turn to the fall editions of mai...
09/26/2026

Fall...is here?
Once upon a time, when a Texan wanted to pretend that it was fall, we'd turn to the fall editions of mail order catalogs to dream of a time when we'd wear coats.
Today, we use mail order catalogs to help choose the right clothing for interpretation like at the 1915 era Sauer-Beckmann farm at LBJ State Historical Park.

In September 1941, the State Parks Board signed a five-year lease with the U.S. Army for approximately 40 acres of Lake ...
09/19/2026

In September 1941, the State Parks Board signed a five-year lease with the U.S. Army for approximately 40 acres of Lake Brownwood State Park. Intended to provide Army personnel with rest and recreation, the camp at Lake Brownwood was visited by several divisions and units, including the 36th Division.

Headquartered at Camp Bowie, the 36th Division participated in 400 days of combat in Germany and Italy during World War II and included the first American troops to land on the beaches in the battle for Salerno, Italy.

After World War II ended, a commemorative marker was established in front of the park’s clubhouse to honor the division, and the park is sometimes referred to as 36th Division State Park.

to Assistant Project Superintendent for CCC Camp SP-54-T, Ben A. Chambers, giving Company 2888 on-the-job training for...
09/17/2026

to Assistant Project Superintendent for CCC Camp SP-54-T, Ben A. Chambers, giving Company 2888 on-the-job training for what will become Tyler State Park.

Between 1935 and 1941, CCC enrollees created this park in the Pineywoods. They built roads and buildings, planted trees, made check dams to control erosion, and erected an earthen dam to create the lake. They used local, natural materials for the culverts and bridges, to blend with the park’s landscape.

What's your favorite memory at Tyler State Park?

Social media in 1962 meant taking photos for newsletters, newspapers, and television. What was the big news in 1962? The...
09/12/2026

Social media in 1962 meant taking photos for newsletters, newspapers, and television. What was the big news in 1962? The Texas State Parks Board acquired the Circle Bar Ranch to become a new state park! In 1971, TPWD opened Pedernales Falls State Park to the public.

Summer is finally beginning its gradual transition into fall. As we all know, it takes a while though, so there's still ...
09/10/2026

Summer is finally beginning its gradual transition into fall. As we all know, it takes a while though, so there's still plenty of time left for swimming in some of the lovely lakes of Texas State Parks.

Take it from these merry-makers at Daingerfield State Park not long after the park opened its doors in 1938. Floating swimming and diving platforms like these were once common sites at many of the parks.

Daingerfield State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife

We celebrate this international day of charity by giving a shoutout to the team that we couldn't do without ! From the ...
09/05/2026

We celebrate this international day of charity by giving a shoutout to the team that we couldn't do without ! From the folks who volunteer with the to the hosts who keep the camping loops ready, we appreciate all of you!

Volunteer cap circa 1970-1980s

Lake View, Lake Corpus Christi State Park, 1970sThis view looks south across the lake from the observation deck located ...
09/03/2026

Lake View, Lake Corpus Christi State Park, 1970s

This view looks south across the lake from the observation deck located northwest of the refectory (combination building). The observation deck is in reality the roof of the pumping station that once supplied park water.

For International Bat Night, we’re highlighting Old Tunnel State Park. Mostly dug by hand, the historic tunnel was used ...
08/29/2026

For International Bat Night, we’re highlighting Old Tunnel State Park.

Mostly dug by hand, the historic tunnel was used by the San Antonio, Fredericksburg, and Northern Railways until it was abandoned in 1941.

Since then, Old Tunnel has become the seasonal home for up to three million Mexican free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave myotis bats. In the summer, these bats spiral upwards out of the tunnel each night, searching for insects. In its history, this railroad tunnel helped connect the Hill Country; today, it connects visitors to one of the largest bat colonies found on state park property.

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4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX
78744

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+15123894800

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