There is no question that the state of Texas has a rich history, but Houston is known as the historical center of Texas. It was the first capital of Texas, where the first national bank was founded, and the Galveston Daily News was the first newspaper in Texas. Houston has some amazing historical gems that are open to the public. Here are a few historical sites to visit whether you are a resident or just visiting the area:

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Bayou Bend is the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg. It now houses the Museum of Fine Arts including Houston's early American decorative arts and painting collection. Bayou Bend is considered one of the premier collections in the country. The mansion, designed by architect John F. Staub, was built in the 1920s. The collection at Bayou Bend presently consists of approximately 4,700 objects that reflect historic periods from 1620 to 1870 installed in some 28-period room settings

Battleship Texas

Battleship Texas is the last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II. This vessel became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948. When the Battleship Texas (previously named USS Texas) was commissioned on March 12, 1914, she was the most powerful weapon in the world, the most complex product of an industrial nation just beginning to become a force in global events. Battleship Texas holds the distinguished designation of a National Historic Landmark and a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark.

The San Jacinto Museum and Monument

Texas became a republic following the Battle of San Jacinto, and that historic battleground lies in what is now the La Porte area of Harris County. The San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war memorial in the world at 15 feet taller than the original Washington Monument. The museum was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The San Jacinto Museum of History holds one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts, and history. Visitors can take an elevator ride 500 feet up to the observation deck atop the San Jacinto Monument and see Houston from above.

George Ranch Historical Park

Visitors can discover more than 100 years of Texas ranching history at the George Ranch Historical Park. This park is a 480-acre living history museum situated on a real working ranch. The farm has passed through four generations and grown into one of the area’s top landmarks. You can tour four different historic home sites, interact with the costumed interpreters, watch the cowboys rope and sort cattle, and more.