Curious where you can find the best antique shopping in East Texas? Or which small Texas town once earned the title “Tomato Capital of the World?” Answers to these questions and other lesser-known facts about Texas and its history can be found in free print and mobile travel guides distributed by the Texas Historical Commission.
The statewide Heritage Travel Guide includes over 150 pages of historical descriptions of the state’s booming cities and sleepy towns. It includes a large map, with markers for locations like the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site and the Fort McKavett State Historic Site.
Travelers can also choose from one of eight guides that focus on a unique theme pertaining to Texas history. Topics include an in-depth look at the role that Texas played in World War II to an overview of the Red River War of the late 1800s. All guides are downloadable for quick access.
For those who want a more interactive experience, six mobile apps are available for use as self-guided tours. The apps feature images, videos, first-person interviews, maps, and guidance on how to explore sites. Topics include the La Salle Odyssey and the Historic Bankhead Highway, among others. Two more apps will be released soon: Hispanic Texas History and Town Square Walk-Around.