Immerse Yourself in Texas History This Month

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AUSTIN – When most people think about Texas State Parks, natural gems such as Palo Duro Canyon, Garner and Inks Lake come to mind. But the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also operates dozens of sites throughout the state dedicated to bringing history to life. TPWD has designated history as the Outdoor Activity of the Month for October.

Many Texas state parks and historic sites offer guided and interactive experiences that help tell the story of Texas in 3D. Families can choose from a wealth of places to learn about and experience the Lone Star State’s rich cultural heritage – from the Birthplace of Texas (Washington-on-the-Brazos) and Spanish missions (Goliad) to pioneer farms, frontier forts and ancient rock-art sites.

 In October, which is also Texas Archeology Month, many parks are hosting special events to educate and entertain visitors who wish to step into the past. For example, immerse yourself in Big Bend Ranch State Park’s ranching heritage, go on a walking tour of pictographs at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, or learn about life during Republic of Texas days at Fanthorp Inn and Washington-on-the-Brazos state historic sites.

You also can learn about hearth cooking, smithing, funerary customs and other facets of early Texas farm life through living history demonstrations at such historic sites as Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site’s Barrington Farm, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park’s Sauer-Beckmann Farm and Cedar Hill State Park’s Penn Farm. Or stop by Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site in Jacksboro on Oct. 6 to hear stories about Wild West outlaw Jessie James as told by great-grandson Lewis James.

To view a complete list of historical and archeological events available at Texas State Parks, visit:  www.texasstateparks.org/history.

The Texas Historical Commission website has information and background on TAM here:  http://www.thc.state.tx.us/archeology/aatam.shtml

To watch a YouTube video about Sauer-Beckmann Farm at LBJ State Historic Site, visit:

http://youtu.be/I7IxJtbTV9o

To watch a YouTube video about Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic site, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQvK6AFtdh0&feature=player_embedded#!

To watch a YouTube video about Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huDs6gGOVZY&list=PL97C99D8AB6E729E5&index=73&feature=plpp_video

For B-roll of families enjoying the historical sites of Fanthorp Inn, Washington-on-the Brazos and Barrington Living History Farm, visit: tpwd.texas.gov/files/video

For news images of history-related events, visit:  http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/news_images/?g=oam_history