Permanent Exhibits
Where Texas History Began
Our permanent exhibit examines the last 13,000 years of Texas history, from the first inhabitants of the Coastal Bend region through the French, Spanish, and Mexican colonial efforts, up to the range of diverse influence that have created the modern
Texan culture. The focal point in the Museum’s gallery is the exhibit of cannons brought to Texas by French explorer La Salle. The Museum is the repository for artifacts recovered from the archaeological excavation of Fort St. Louis. The
museum’s Virtual Exhibit provides an overview of permanent exhibit content, as well as
images of some of the artifacts that you’ll see during your in-person visit.
Where Texas Ranching Began 
In the Coastal Bend of Texas, a unique way of life originated that bound together people, animals, and land. Introduced by Spanish missionaries, shaped by Indian and Mestizo vaqueros, strengthened by Mexican colonists, and transformed by American ranchers, ranching took root here. The Coastal Bend is where Texas ranching began, where it evolved through diverse cultures, and where it still lives today. View the permanent exhibit in the newly constructed Borchers Leon Exhibit Hall.
OPENING OCTOBER 2024 La Misíon The first Texas cattle kingdom was the ranch of Mission Espíritu Santo. Between the San Antonio and Guadalupe Rivers, the Spanish built a way of life that still defines Texas today.
OPENING SPRING 2025 Vaquero Spanish missionaries and soldiers taught Indian converts ranching techniques for the wild cattle and horses near Mission Espíritu Santo. The first cowboys, longhorns, and mustangs were all present in the Coastal Bend of Texas.
OPENING FALL 2025 La Vida Flags over the Coastal Bend changed from Spain, Mexico, Texas, and lastly to the United States. The development of industry and towns brought newcomers and their unique skills to the Coastal Bend as ranching remained a defining way of life.
OPENING SPRING 2026 Innovación Following the American Civil War, ranchers from the Coastal Bend drove their cattle north to Kansas and helped rebuild their war-torn communities. Their legacy continued with ranching industry innovations such as barbed wire, windmills, railroads, improvement of cattle breeds, and the arrival of oil.
Group Tours
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