Texas Brazos Trail

A heartfelt thank you to all our Texas Brazos Trail Region partners for your dedication to strengthening heritage tourism across our 18-county region in Central Texas. Your efforts make a significant impact on travelers and communities, driving economic development and highlighting our region's rich history, heritage sites, events, and attractions.

We are thrilled to be working together and look forward to continued collaboration, shared experiences, and strong partnerships this year and beyond. Together, we proudly showcase the vibrant stories of our past. We are honored to be your ‘Time Traveler and Storytelling’ partner.

There's only one month left to make nominations for the Texas Historical Commission's Preservation Awards!

The TTHC offers annual awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage. Learn more and nominate someone you know at thc.texas.gov/preserve/preservation-awards.

It's the final day of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Thanks for following along with all the fun events!

Today's schedule:
The Wizard of Oz Showing - 3 p.m. at the Kay Theater
Community Birthday Party Picnic in the Park & 2024 Time Capsule Ceremony - 5-9 p.m. at Veterans Park

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

🎉 Celebrating 150 Years of Rockdale! 🎉

It was an honor to participate in celebrating the rich history and vibrant community spirit of Rockdale at its 150th Celebration! The 1895 building is undergoing multiple restoration phases and has been a cornerstone of this town for over 125 years, serving as the Town Hall, Municipal Court, Water Department, Fire Station, Police Station & Jail, the city's first Library, and even a county courthouse for multiple years. It also housed the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and hosted numerous community events in the now-missing Opera House on the second story. The bell tower was recently restored and reinstalled in its original location on top of the building.

We were thrilled to see the community and many folks from the region and across the state attending this well-planned and executed event by the Vision Historic Preservation Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers. This is an important preservation project for our beloved Rockdale. Celebrating 150 years in small town Texas!!!

It's another day of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! We've been sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Rare Reptiles and Amphibians of Milam County Class - 9 a.m. at the I&GN Depot
Railroad Historical Talk - 11 a.m.-12 a.m. at the I&GN Depot

Heritage Celebration - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the 1895
- Historic Murals & Essays Exhibit
- Live Music & Performances
- Historic Downtown Walking Tours
- Tours of The 1895
- Yard Games, Sidewalk Chalk, Activities
- Face Painting & Temporary Tattoos

Rockdale 150 Birthday Party Gala Dinner & Dance featuring Kenny Orts - 7-11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's another day of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout this week, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:

Rockdale First Friday Coffee - 9 a.m. at the Lucy Hill Patterson Library
- El Camino Real de los Tejas Traveling Exhibit
- Books-to-Big Screen Movies & Books of the Eras
- Author Book Signings - 9-11 a.m.
- Presentation about Dr. Lucile Estell's "Images of Rockdale" - 10-11 a.m.

The Fallback Plan Concert - 7 p.m. at the Kay Theater

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's another day of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout this week, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Lunchtime Rockdale Art History Tour - 11:30 a.m. at the Lucy Hill Patterson Library

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's another day of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout this week, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Lunchtime Historical Presentation: George Sessions Perry - 11:30 a.m. at the Lucy Hill Patterson Library
Screenings of Rockdale ISD recorded performances - 3-6 p.m. at the Lucy Hill Patterson Library

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's Day 4 of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout the next week, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Native Edible & Medicinal Plants Course - 11 a.m. at I&GN Depot
The Jungle Book Showing - 3 p.m. at the Kay Theater
Historic Churches Tour & Musical Performances - 12-7 p.m.
East Side Celebration - 7 p.m. at Samuel Park

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's Day 3 of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout the next week, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Rockdale 150 Parade - 10 a.m. along Downtown Hwy 79
Big Splash Birthday Bash at Rockdale's Fair Park - 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fair Park Arena
Sesquicentennial Car Show - 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fair Park Grounds
Alcoa History Panel Discussion - 6 p.m. at the Kay Theater

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

It's Day 2 of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout the next two weeks, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:

Rockdale First Friday Coffee - 9 a.m. at the Lucy Hill Patterson Library
- El Camino Real de los Tejas Traveling Exhibit
- Books-to-Big Screen Movies & Books of the Eras
- Author Book Signings - 9-11 a.m.
- 1974 Time Capsule Unearthing - 10-11 a.m.
- Roots in Rockdale Reception

The Hunt for Red October Showing - 7 p.m. at the Kay Theater

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

Texas Has One of the Best Small-Town Downtowns in America If you're looking for a place to visit or to live, look no further than this little town in Texas.

It's Day 1 of Rockdale's 150th birthday celebration! Throughout the next two weeks, we'll be sharing all the fun you can expect from this epic milestone, so be sure to check back each day for updates.

Today's schedule:
Rockdale 150 Drone Light and Fireworks Show - 9 p.m. at Fair Park
Live Music featuring The Outsiders - 9:30 p.m. at Fair Park

Click here to see the full schedule! >> https://www.rockdaletx.gov/390/Rockdale-150th-Birthday

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the Texas Brazos Trail!

Did you know the Stagecoach Inn is reopening its restaurant? in the making!

🤠 We love that the Stagecoach Inn has returned to its roots and is reopening the restaurant in 2024! 🍴Do you know of another stage stop that is still operating and has its own exhibit at a museum!?

So exciting!

Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations today at Bastrop's second annual Big Bang! Celebration on Main Street and at Fisherman's Park.

"Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers, and the whole family for an evening packed with excitement and patriotic spirit. Here’s what we’ve got lined up:

- Music filling the park to set the perfect atmosphere
- Bounce Houses for the kiddos to jump around
- Sprinklers to cool you off
- Field Games for some friendly competition
- Tasty Concessions to satisfy your cravings
- Spectacular 15-minute Patriotic Fireworks Display set to music at dark"

Join our friends at the Hearne Depot tonight at 6 p.m. for videos, music, and speakers about the Orphan Train movement.

Between 1854 and 1929, more than a quarter of a million orphans and surrendered children were sent west to find new homes. Learn about the Orphan Train and its passengers where many of these children trod.

El Camino Real de los Tejas, or Texas' Royal Highway, served the territory once dominated by colonial Spain, stretching from Guerrero (Mexico), Laredo, and Villa de Dolores eastward to Los Adaes and Natchitoches in Louisiana.

Learn about this historic highway at texastimetravel.com/blog/el-camino-real-de-los-tejas!

It's a Star-Spangled Parade on Sat, July 6th at 10AM celebrating Rockdale's 150th Birthday and Riders are welcome! Celebrate our community at this patriotic parade which will travel from Downtown (Green St) to Fair Park. Saddle up your Ride and show your : Sign up to participate in the Parade https://bit.ly/RTXParade

The Star-Spangled Parade is presented by the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce.
Join the Parade Watch Party at The 1895 featuring Charlie Weyler starting at 9AM.

Have you noticed this awesome street banner? Conveniently located on E Central Avenue in Belton 🎉

Be sure to join us at the Belton 4th of July Parade on July 4th beginning at 9AM 🎊🥁

🎇 Mark your calendars! This Saturday, Downtown Bastrop is going to be full of stars, stripes, and smiles! ⭐️🇺🇲😁

𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥'𝙨 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:

📅 Date: Saturday, June 29
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
📍 Location: Fisherman’s Park, along the stunning Colorado River

Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers, and the whole family for an evening packed with excitement and patriotic spirit. Here’s what we’ve got lined up:

🎵 Music filling the park to set the perfect atmosphere
🎈 Bounce Houses for the kiddos to jump around
💦 Sprinklers to cool you off
🏆 Field Games for some friendly competition
🍔 Tasty Concessions to satisfy your cravings
🎇 Spectacular 15-minute Patriotic Fireworks Display set to music at dark

🚗 Parking Info:

There will be limited parking in the park.
Traffic will flow one-way through the park, from Farm to Willow.
Need assistance? We’ve got a drop-off spot at the intersection of Farm and Willow for those who can’t walk down into the park.

Don’t miss out on this amazing night of family fun and patriotic celebration. See you there!

https://facebook.com/events/s/bastrops-annual-big-bang-celeb/444933291498114/

Experience the Scottish heritage of our trail region!

Regional stories, from the prehistoric animals that once roamed Texas to settlement by first Native Americans and then Anglo settlers, are on display in the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History in Bryan! The museum focuses on natural and cultural history and encourages human interaction with nature.

Visitors should make sure to check out the Pleistocene-era armadillo — a creature that would do serious damage to a pick-up truck — and the display of a chuck wagon, a mobile kitchen invented by cowboy Charles Goodnight that could feed a 10-man trail crew for 30 days.

After your tour of the museum, check out the nearby Carter Creek Nature Trail to learn about the area's natural habitats!

Our region proudly boasts a melting pot of cultures, including those of Czech, Norwegian, Sweedish, Italian, and Scottish Heritage!

Where does your family hail from? Let us know in the comments!

Celebrate World Camel Day today at The Alamo with the Brazos Trail's own Texas Camel Corps! Learn more at thealamo.org/visit/texas-camel-corps.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco features anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the Texas Rangers! The facilities include exhibits, educational programs, artifacts, artworks, and the Armstrong Research Center in addition to the hall and museum.

The Armstrong Research Center even houses an extensive archive of Ranger material, including criminal case files, photographs, correspondence and other documents. The Center’s resources are utilized not only by historians but also by law enforcement agents working on cold case files.

The next time you're in Waco, stop by at 100 Texas Ranger Trail!

Today through Saturday, join in on all the fun at the 94th Annual Mexia Rodeo! Gates will open nightly at 5:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are sold at the door and the event is cash only, so make sure to take a few bucks for concessions in between riders!

Today is Juneteenth, the anniversary of America's final slaves being released following a conflict in Galveston Bay.

The history of African Americans in Texas represents a compelling story of struggle and triumph for fellow Texans, revealing a chronology that often reflects the progress of our cultural diversity on a national scale. This story is told with particular vigor and enthusiasm at the Brazos Valley African American Museum, located in the Brazos Region community of Bryan, where an impressive collection of archives and artifacts explore the African American experience.

Conceived by Bryan school teacher Mell Pruitt, the Museum has grown from Pruitt’s personal archive of African American history in the Brazos Valley to a detailed collection that encompasses both ancient and modern history, housed in a modern design built on the site of one of the first all-African American schools in the Brazos region. Today, the museum’s collection includes interesting art and artifacts from the African continent, exhibits on the Civil War and Civil Rights, and a roster of artworks by contemporary African American artists.

We highly encourage you to stop by and educate yourself on African-American history in Texas.