To understand all that makes Texas so unique, you need to start from the beginning. Before the 6 flags of Texas ever made an appearance, a vibrant and peaceful Caddo civilization flourished right here in East Texas. In fact, Texas owes its name to the Caddo word ‘Tejas,’ meaning ‘friend.’
Date visited: March 2020
We usually don’t include dates with field trips, but this one has real significance. If you were to look at this site on Google maps or any other source predating April of 2019, you would see a very different looking museum. Tragedy struck last year when a devastating tornado swept through during Caddo Culture Day taking one life, injuring many, and destroying the museum and replica grass house.
“We have half a museum right now, so we are charging half price,” is what they told us when we arrived. For a nominal fee, you will be able to watch a short film on the history of Caddo Mounds, view museum exhibits in a temporary building, and walk (or possibly take a golf cart) around the ¾ mile trail to view the grounds.
Exhibits explain what life was like for the Caddo, and you can almost imagine a bustling civilization as you view the mounds and learn about the purpose of each.
Also included at this historic site is a short nature trail and a portion of the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
The Basics:
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
- 1649 State Hwy. 21 West
Alto, TX 75925 - Tuesday – Sunday
8:30a.m. – 4:30 p.m - Adults $2
Children/Students up to 18 years $1
Tips for Visitors:
- There is a small gift shop located in the temporary building.
- Further information and stops for the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail can be found here.
- Mission Tejas State Park is a 10 minute drive from Caddo Mounds and includes 2 historic structures and another piece of the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
Educational Resources:
