At this small state park in the piney woods of Texas, you will find some significant pieces of Texas history. Here is a rundown of the historical sites you’ll want to visit while here:
The El Camino Real
Built by the Spanish in the late 1600s, the El Camino Real (Royal Road,) was a 2500 mile trail connecting Mexico City to Natchitoches, Louisiana.
The route was used by Spanish missionaries, settlers, and soldiers.
Today, you can hike along a portion of this historic trail where many iconic figures from Texas history once traveled (think Davy Crockett, Stephen F. Austin.)
Mission San Francisco de los Tejas
The first mission in Texas was established here in 1690, and the reason why was twofold. The Spanish government wanted to send a message to the encroaching French by expanding to East Texas, they also wanted to convert the Nabedache (part of the Caddo tribe) to Catholicism.
A few years later, the smallpox epidemic arrived. The Caddo lost trust in the Spanish, and the Mission was abandoned and burned.
Fast-forward to the Great Depression. In 1934, the CCC (Civilian Conservation Core,) built a replica of the Mission. This is the structure you’ll be able to see when you visit the park.
The Rice Cabin
The Rice family arrived via the El Camino Real in 1928 and began constructing the first room of their log cabin. They continued to add to the cabin for the next decade to accommodate their growing family. During the Republic of Texas, the Rice home was known on the San Antonio Road as a place to have a meal or stop for lodging.
The Basics:
- 19343 State Highway 21 E.
Grapeland, TX 7584 - Visitor Center: 8:00am-4:00pm
- Fees:
- Adults: $3
- Children: Free
Tips for Visitors:
- Other amenities to enjoy at this park include camping, hiking, fishing, a visitor center, gift shop, playground, and bird blind.
- Check the events page for Ranger led hikes and activities.
- Caddo Mounds State Historic Site is another great field trip, just a short drive from Mission Tejas.
