The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site was the location of the decisive 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto that secured Texas’s independence from Mexico in 1836. This 1,200-acre park is home to the San Jacinto Monument, which houses San Jacinto Museum of History. The monument stands 570 feet tall—the tallest masonry column in the world—and is topped with a 220-ton star. Visitors can explore the exhibits, art, and artifacts at the museum and hear the retelling of the road to Texas Independence at the Jesse H. Jones Theatre. Discover the origins of the Lone Star State and relive the pivotal battle that freed Texas and forever altered the course of global history.

Take an express elevator to the observation deck atop the towering San Jacinto Monument to get a panoramic view of the historic site and surrounding waterways, including the Houston Ship Channel. True Texas history enthusiasts will appreciate the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library, available to visit by appointment. In it, guests can discover an abundant collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other historical materials.

Located a half-hour from League City, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is a great day-trip destination for history buffs and families alike.