History is always in the making everyday we discover new and exciting things that tell us who we are and where we came from.  The town of San Felipe is rich in that history.  It has been shown and categorized as the home of “The Father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin.

Everyone in Texas knows the importance of Stephen F. Austin who led the “First 300” settlers to Texas with a land grant from the Mexican Government. The park in San Felipe is working toward preserving that history with new additions.  The Friends of the San Felipe de Austin Historical Site in conjunction with the Texas Historical Commission are laying the groundwork for a new visitor’s center.

In 2009 the City of San Felipe released $3,000,000 it had bonded to be applied to the development of the new facilities. This allowed 80 acres to be purchased in 2011. This land was acquired for the development of a new Visitor’s Center and Theater.  The land was purchased for $800,000 and the state was able to contribute $1,000,000 to the project.

Currently the Texas Historical Commission is working to create a site that will attract visitors and tourists to the area.  They have selected an Architect and are now waiting on designs of an exhibit facility. Examples of designs were shown at the presentation by Bryan McAuley the site manger for San Felipe de Austin Historical site.

There is still money to be raised.  The Friends of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site raise funds and provide volunteer support for the historic site. Later this year they will join the Texas Historical Commission in efforts to raise additional funds to support new visitor center development. The state historic site is open to visitors Tuesdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to plan a visit, call 979-885-2181 or visit them at 15945 FM 1458 San Felipe, TX 77473