First Lady's Texas Treasures Communities are Expecting You
Award-Winning Preservation = Award-Winning Travel Experience
Need to be immersed in the Texas mystique? Experience the heritage and culture of award-winning Texas communities. Enjoy a recreational family event, a musical, a culinary occasion, or a tour shedding new light on an old topic—all happening at historic sites, neighborhoods, and downtowns and made possible because people care for places—places that matter!
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First Lady's Texas Treasures Community Mount Vernon |
Authentic Texas Sense of Place
First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award-winning communities are places that are recognized for ongoing preservation
successes saving the structures, settings and stories that serve as a source of pride to residents and become enjoyable destinations for visitors. These communities have discovered that keeping and using their historic resources is environmentally green, economically wise, and socially enriching.
Texas Treasures communities are full of fascinating cemeteries, battle sites, main streets and landmarks that retain what is meaningful from the past while supporting a thriving, contemporary culture. You don’t just walk past history in these places, you are escorted in to enjoy a fine meal, see the authentic artifacts, become enlightened through the arts, or invited to two-step to Texas swing. Learn more about the award and each community’s preservation successes.
First Lady's Texas Treasures Award Cities
Expect to experience real places and learn the real stories in these Texas Treasures: |
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Witness the resting place of countless heroes, Brownsville City Cemetery
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Brownsville
Stand on the grounds of the first battle of the Mexican American War and the last land battle of the Civil War, then follow frontier history through World War I at Fort Brown. Architectural treasures to explore include the only Neutra-designed International Style home in Texas and buildings mixed with Spanish, Mexican, and New Orleans influences throughout three historic districts. Tour cemeteries and museums for many more stories of Brownsville’s heritage.
Watch the preservation award video |
Discover the many cultures that make us what we are, 1847 Bippert-Kueck House |
Castroville
Where else can you walk the streets of an Alsatian village in Texas? This small town is full of the original commercial and residential stucco structures built close to the street in the European style familiar to the 1844 French settlers. Castroville’s unique scale and rhythm will dissolve your big city stress while you enjoy a walking tour, dine on Alsatian cuisine, or discover the shops tucked throughout downtown.
Watch the award video and read about preservation updates |
Find the scene of the crime or the seat where it was brought to justice, Williamson County Courthouse |
Georgetown
Enjoying the Victorian architectural splendor of the historic square while stepping into museums and shops or succumbing to the lure of delicious culinary aromas may make it downright difficult to imagine this streetscape during the colorful cattle drive period of the 1870s–80s. Pause in your modern revelry to conjure up a time when the smells, noises, and traffic were determined by the hoof and spur, and stepping off the boardwalk meant deep trouble for any footwear.
Watch the award video and read about preservation updates
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Sense humble beginnings with spectacular finishes, Mount Vernon Main Street
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Mount Vernon
A cared for sense of place permeates the visitor experience in Mount Vernon. But while you may revel in a visceral moment of the turn-of-the-century main street era, the contemporary culture of business, music, visual arts, and local cuisine will quickly command your attention in many pleasant ways. Every building has a story to tell and a modern experience to offer as you make your way through museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants in diverse historic venues.
Watch the preservation award video
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Walk the fertile ground from which legends grow, Nacogdoches Blueberry Festival |
Nacogdoches
Walk in the footsteps of the Caddos, Mexican Empresarios, Texas Revolutionaries, and African American religious leaders. Whether on a historic trail or early auto highway, travelers have been drawn to Nacogdoches since the Spanish established El Camino Real de los Tejas in the 1600s. Today, the historic red brick streets host the Blueberry Festival, parades, outdoor concerts, farmer’s markets, and modern art celebrating the diverse heritage and culture of Nacogdoches.
Watch the award video and view preservation updates and photos
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Discover the birthplace of innumerable dreams, Dunbar Historic District |
San Marcos
Possessing seven distinct historic districts, San Marcos offers visitors as many fun ways to explore them in May and June. Swing your honey around the historic courthouse square during the Texas Swing Festival. Be a special guest during the tour of historic craftsman style homes. Discover the Calaboose Museum and join in the city’s Juneteenth Celebration or partake in the 20-year Friday tradition of luncheon at Cottage Kitchen by the river.
Watch the award video and view preservation updates and photos
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Hear the echo of long-ago words still ringing in the room, Chautauqua Auditorium |
Waxahachie
Food, art, and architecture! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic cuisine and musical style. Take a Victorian "gingerbread" homes tour and visit the only Chautauqua auditorium in Texas. Only a brush or pastel will be allowed during the artist “quick draw" on the courthouse lawn. And don’t miss the opening of the farmers' market with spring surprises around every corner of the square.
Watch the award video and view preservation updates and photos
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