1928 Fundraising Pin replica
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Austin County Legislative Day, May 3.
In honor of our namesake
Stephen F. Austin, Father of Texas
In 1928 the schoolchildren of Austin County sold “Father of Texas” pins to raise funds for a monument to Stephen F. Austin at the site of his Colonial Capital of San Felipe de Austin. Inspired by their efforts, the Town of San Felipe donated 6 acres at the center of Austin’s 1823 town-site to being a memorial park. The pint granite obelisk they funded, shown at right, was unveiled in November, 1928. This historic site was a focus of the Texas Centennial celebrations, and in 1940 was donated to the State of Texas. |
Now, 85 years after our county’s school children commemorated the Father of Texas, it is time for a new generation of Texas leaders to take on the challenge. The Texas Historical Commmision began management of the site in 2008. In 2012 they added more than 70 acres to it, and began planning for a museum and visitor center to tell the story of Stephen F. Austin and his Colonial Capital. Public and private support are both needed for these efforts to succeed.
Help us to expand and develop the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site,
and provide a showcase for Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas,
at the site of his only home in Texas.
Heritage Celebration: Father of Texas Birthday
Archeology Awareness month in October.
First Saturday in October every year.
San Felipe de Austin SHS
15945 FM 1458
San Felipe, TX
979-885-2181
Come celebrate Stephen F. Austin’s birthday with special activities, presentations, demonstrations and reenactments.
Lots of fun and informative activities for all ages.
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Father of Texas celebration 2005 |
CEREMONIES:
• Father of Texas 2013 Event Opening
• San Felipe de Austin SHS Visitor Center – Grand Opening
• Ribbon/cake cutting
SPECIAL EVENTS:
In the visitor center:
• Guest speakers
• New interior exhibit panels
• Gift shop now open
Around the site:
• Self tour the new exterior exhibit panels
• Hands on activities/colonial games – fun for the whole family
• Living history demonstrations
• Printing history
• Music/entertainment
• Light snacks/drinks available (small fee)
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
FM 1458 (48 miles west of Houston, IH 10 exit 723)
Need more information?
Contact 979-885-2181
Sponsored by Friends of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
and the THC Historic Sites Division.
Friends of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
PO Box 96
San Felipe, Texas 77473
Toll-Free: 877-558-7245
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