Texas State History Museum

War, wealth, and the Texas mystique
Noteworthy for: Opened in 2001, the museum combines memorabilia and the latest technology to explore the myth and the reality that is the Lone Star State.

Made of the same pink granite as the capitol and topped with a copper dome, the three-storey Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is a commanding presence worthy of its larger-than-life subject matter. Utilizing artifacts, 'recreated environments', and interactive audio and video displays, the museum documents the violent battles and everyday challenges of early Texans.
A life-sized Alamo facade depicts the day after the 1836 battle in which all but two of the approximately 200 Texans defending the mission were slaughtered by the Mexican army. An accompanying video describes the desperation of the scene as commander William Barret Travis sends a final plea for help that will never come.

In addition to the permanent displays, the museum presents an ever-changing lineup of exhibits on loan from other museums or private collections. Recent temporary exhibits covered the history of high school football and the legacy of the 1980s TV show 'Dallas'.