GONZALES POP. 7,410
ALT. 292
MAP R-17
VISITOR CENTER AT THE OLD JAIL MUSEUM/ GONZALES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE: 414 St. Lawrence St. 888/672-1095.
www.tourgonzales.com.
The town was named for Rafael Gonzales (then governor of the joint state of Coahuila-Texas) and designed by the Mexican government. The streets were named for saints, and markers show the original plan. Gonzales is known as the “Lexington of Texas”
because the first skirmish of the Texas Revolution was fought here. In 1835, Mexican soldiers came to retrieve a six-pound cannon given to the town for frontier defense. Colonists resisted, and waving a flag that read “Come and Take It,” they turned the cannon on the soldiers—firing the first shot in the fight for Texas independence. Today, the town celebrates its place in Texas history with the Come and Take It Festival on the first full weekend of October.
GONZALES MEMORIAL MUSEUM—This monument honors those who fought the first battle of the Texas Revolution and the 32 patriots who later answered Travis’ call for help at the Alamo. The museum features the cannon that precipitated that first battle when Texans challenged Mexican troops to “come and take it.” Mexican relics and Texana also are on display. East St. Lawrence Street. Eggleston House—This is a restored log house,
originally built in 1848 and furnished with antiques to depict Texas pioneer life. Free tours may be arranged through the museum or by contacting the chamber of commerce. 888/672-1095.
Walk where the dinosaurs roamed at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.
year-round with mountain bikers, campers and RVers. Admission charge. 1629 Park Road 59. About five miles west of town via U.S. 67 and F.M. 205. 254/897-4588.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley.
DINOSAUR WORLD—More than 150 life-sized dinosaur models and and 20 animatronic dinosaurs inhabit a park-like setting. Includes walking trail, museum, picnic area, playground, fossil dig and excavation activities for children. Admission charge. 1058 Park Road 59. 254/898-1526.
www.dinoworld.net.
FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER—Features some of the world’s most endangered animals, such as white rhinos, cheetahs and the Grevy’s zebra, along with about 60 species. Includes petting pasture, cafe, nature store, picnic area, nature trail and learning center. Admission charge. Off U.S. 67, 3.5 miles west. 254/897-2960.
www.fossilrim.org.
INN ON THE RIVER—Built in 1919 and originally named Snyders Drugless Sanitarium, today the facility is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. It provides accommodations and Paluxy River views. 205 SW Barnard St. 254/897-2929 or 800/575-2101.
www.innontheriver.com.
LAKE—Squaw Creek Lake—This lake offers fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. About four miles north of Glen Rose off Texas 144. 817/573-7053.
ROUGH CREEK LODGE—This large ranch, lodge and conference center offers daily tours. A lake offers catch-and-release bass fishing. Upland bird hunting available. Take U.S. 67 nine miles south to C.R. 2013. 800/864-4705.
SOMERVELL COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM—In cludes items associated with local history, as well as fossils and relics. Elm and Vernon streets. 254/897-4529.
THE PROMISE—A historical, yet contemporary, re-enactment of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The musical drama has a cast of 80. In the open-air Texas Amphitheater. 254/897-3926 or 800/687-2661.
www.thepromiseglenrose.com.
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GONZALES PIONEER VILLAGE LIVING HISTORY CENTER—Features 10 houses and outbuildings, plus a new 1900s section featuring a 1920s-era school building and print shop. Inquire about scheduled tours for 15 or more. Admission charge. 830/672-2157.
www.thepioneervillage.com.
HISTORIC HOMES TOURS—Self-guided walking and driving tours include homes as well as landmarks and other historic buildings. Contact or visit the visitor center for more information. 414 St. Lawrence St. On courthouse square. 830/672-6532.
www.gonzalestexas.com.
HISTORIC SITES—Confederate Square and Texas Heroes Square downtown feature monuments and are surrounded by historic buildings. Battle of Gonzales markers are near the community of Cost, southwest on Texas 97. Earthworks of a Confederate fort are near U.S. 90A/U.S. 183 intersection.
HISTORICAL TRAIL—Driving tour covers 86 historical points of interest. Trail marked with “Come and Take It” signs. Interpretive folder available at chamber of commerce in restored old jail on the courthouse square. 414 St. Lawrence St. 830/672-6532.
www.gonzalestexas.com.
LAKE—Lake Wood—This Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority reservoir offers a boat ramp, fishing, pic- nicking and camping. Five miles west of Gonzales via U.S. 90-A and F.M. 2091. 830/672-2779.
www.gbra.org.
OLD JAIL MUSEUM—Built in 1887, this structure was used as a jail until 1975 and now houses a museum and visitor center. The cells, dungeon, gallows and jailer’s quarters have been restored. Jail artifacts and a gun collection also are featured. 414 St. Lawrence St. On the courthouse square. 830/672-6532.
www.gonzalestexas.com.
PADDLING TRAILS—The Independence Paddling Trail offers a scenic 2.6-mile loop route accessible by the U.S. 183 bridge at the Guadalupe River. The Come and Take It Paddling Trail is an 11-mile course on the Guadalupe for more experienced paddlers beginning in Lake Wood Park. 830/672-2815.
www.tpwd.texas. gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails.
PALMETTO STATE PARK—Named for the dwarf palmetto plants found throughout the park, this 289-acre riparian area resembles the tropics and
attracts more than 200 bird species. A historic pump forces artesian water into a 1930s-era cistern and water tower. The San Marcos River flows through the park, making it ideal for canoe trips. The park also features a network of trails and boardwalks. Admission charge. Ten miles north via U.S. 183 and F.M. 1586 to Park Road 11. 830/672-3266.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palmetto.
SCENIC DRIVE—Park Road 11 through Palmetto State Park offers scenic vistas.
GRANBURY POP. 9,059
ALT. 725 MAP K-16
GRANBURY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER: In Granbury City Hall. 116 W. Bridge St. 800/950- 2212.
www.visitgranbury.com.
This town is in the Brazos River Valley on Lake Granbury. The square is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The beach on the lake features tiki huts, a boat ramp, swimming and picnic areas. Visitors also enjoy golf, shopping on the historic square and Texas wine at the local winery. The authentic Brazos Drive-In Theater is one of a few such theaters still operating in Texas. The renovated 1886 Granbury Opera House hosts live theatrical performances. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations in historic buildings are available. Notable figures such as John Wilkes Booth, Carrie
Nation and David Crockett have history in the community. Granbury Cemetery is the final resting place of outlaw Jesse James. Events include Texas Independence Day in March,
the Granbury Wine Walk in April, the Harvest Moon Festival in October and Granbury: A Candlelight Tour in December.
ACTON STATE HISTORIC SITE—Texas’ smallest state historic site includes the gravesite of Elizabeth Crockett, the second wife of celebrated folk hero David Crockett. A monument marks the burial site of Crockett’s widow. Texas Historical Commission property. Free. From Granbury, go 4.5 miles east on U.S. 377 to F.M. 167 S, then 2.4 miles south to the site. 512/463-7948.
www.visitactontx.com.
BREWERY—Revolver Brewing. See BREWERIES AND WINERIES listing.
GRANBURY BOARDWALK—Extending into Lake Granbury behind the Granbury Conference Center, visitors can enjoy walks and the beauty of the lake. 800/950-2212.
www.granburytx.com.
GRANBURY DOLL HOUSE MUSEUM—Features more than 700 dolls made from 1868 to present, including examples of celebrity dolls, advertising dolls and bride dolls. 421 E. Bridge St. 817/894-5194.
GRANBURY GHOSTS AND LEGENDS TOUR—Guides in Civil War-era attire take visitors on a spooky outing to discover folklore surrounding the city’s historic sites and famous dead residents. Admission charge. 817/559-0849.
www.granburytours.com.
GRANBURY STATE HISTORIC CEMETERY—Visit the final resting places of Gen. Hiram Granbury, outlaw Jesse James, Ashley Crockett (grandson of Alamo hero Davy Crockett) and other notable settlers. 801 N. Houston St. 817/573-5135.
HISTORIC GRANBURY SQUARE—The first buildings on the town square were made of locally milled “rawhide” lumber, which were replaced in the 1880s and 1890s by structures built of local limestone that stand today. The entire square site was the first in Texas to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Includes shops, restaurants and the historic Hood County Courthouse. Pearl Street at F.M. 51.
www.granburysquare.com.
HISTORIC RAILROAD DEPOT—Restored to its 1914 splendor, this depot is representative of early 20th- century rural Texas train stations. 109 E. Ewell. 817/573-9246.
HISTORICAL WALKING AND DRIVING TOUR—Enjoy old legends and historic tales of Granbury and Hood
PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
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