Victoria, TX Tourist Attractions
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Victoria (pop. 55,000) is a major cattle market and has several petrochemical plants. The area was originally settled in 1685 and was named by the Spanish in 1824 after the Mexican president, Guadalupe Victoria.
McNamara House
The house was built in 1876 and is furnished in period. Also on display in the house are historical documents and artifacts from Spanish, Mexican, and Texan periods.
Nave Museum
The museum features the paintings of Royston Nave, a Texas artist from the early 1900's. Also on display are changing contemporary are exhibits.
Surroundings
There are numerous towns and attractions in the Victoria surrounding area.
DeWitt County Historical Museum, Cuero
The DeWitt County Historical Museum is housed in an 1886 building and furnished in period. The museum contains documents and artifacts related to the history of the county. The site also includes a restored log cabin.
El Campo
El Campo (pop. 10,500) is a prominent rice growing area, as well as oil and gas manufacturing center.Historical Murals decorate the sides of buildings throughout the town.
El Campo Museum
The El Campo Museum features wildlife specimens from around the world, displayed in natural settings and in front of large murals.
Fannin Battleground State Historic Park
The park is the site where Colonel J. W. Fannin surrendered himself and his men to Mexican General Jose Urrea in 1836 following the Battle of Coleto. With the exception of a few who escaped, the men were executed as traitors seven days later.
Goliad
The town of Goliad is the third oldest community in Texas. The town was first named Santa Dorotea by the Spanish explorers in the 1700's. It was also called La Bahia before the name was changed to Goliad in 1829.
Presidio La Bahia
This fort, established in 1749 to protect Mission Espirtu Santo de Zuniga, is one of the best examples of a Spanish presidio in the state. A museum at this site contains a collection of articles related to the Texas Revolution as well as artifacts from previous civilizations.
Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site
General Ignacio Zaragoza is one of Mexico's most famous military figures. The reconstructed birthplace and statue are located within this international historic site.
Fannin's Grave
Just off U.S. 183, near the presidio is the grave of Colonel James Fannin and his men. They surrendered at the battle of Coleto and were executed several days later.
Goliad State Historic Park
This historical park commemorates the Texans killed during the Battle of Goliad. Within in the park are walking trails, quarry ruins, and picnic sites, as well as American Indian and Spanish colonial artifacts.
Port Lavaca
Overlooking Lavaca Bay, Port Lavaca (pop. 12,000) is an important fishing port for both recreational and commercial fishing. There are also beaches in the area for swimming and water sports.
Texana Museum and Old Jail House, Edna
The Texana Museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents pertaining to the history of the area.
Hallettsville
Hallettsville (pop. 2,700) was settled primarily by German and Czech immigrants. The town lies on the banks of the Lavaca River, between Houston and San Antonio.
Lavaca Historical Museum
The Lavaca Historical Museum focuses on the history of the county. The collection includes photos, furnishings, and other artifacts, as well as an Old-Timers Baseball Hall of Fame.
Lavaca County Courthouse
Built between 1897 and 1899, the courthouse is made of brown sandstone and grey stone and features original tile floor, artwork, and a grand staircase.
Refugio County Museum, Refugio
Located in the small town of Refugio, the museum features displays on local and pioneer history, as well as science, art, prehistory and archeology.
Wharton
Wharton (pop. 10,000) is located on the banks of the Colorado River. A river front park, quaint shops, and historical areas are some of the towns attractions.
Wharton County Historical Museum
The museum features displays on the heritage of the area as well as wildlife trophies and other exhibits.
