How to Tour the Texas State Cemetery Historic

The Texas State Cemetery Historic is more than a burial ground—it is a living archive of Texas history, a sacred landscape where the state’s most influential leaders, warriors, and pioneers rest in quiet dignity. Located in Austin, just south of the Texas State Capitol, this 48-acre site serves as the final resting place for governors, legislators, military heroes, civil rights advocates, and cultural icons who helped shape the identity of the Lone Star State. Unlike traditional cemeteries, the Texas State Cemetery is meticulously maintained as a public historic site, offering visitors a profound opportunity to engage with Texas’s past through its monuments, architecture, and curated narratives. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student researching state heritage, a tourist planning a meaningful itinerary, or a local resident seeking to connect with your roots, touring the Texas State Cemetery Historic provides an immersive, educational, and emotionally resonant experience. This guide will walk you through every essential aspect of planning and executing a meaningful visit, from navigating the grounds to understanding the stories behind the graves, ensuring your journey is both respectful and enriching.

Step-by-Step Guide

Touring the Texas State Cemetery Historic requires thoughtful preparation and mindful engagement. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a comprehensive, respectful, and rewarding experience.

Step 1: Plan Your Visit Timing

The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during daylight saving time. Avoid visiting during extreme heat—Texas summers can be punishing—so early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more contemplative atmosphere. Check the official Texas State Cemetery website for seasonal closures, holiday schedules, or special events such as Memorial Day ceremonies or guided walking tours. These events often include expert commentary and access to restricted areas.

Step 2: Obtain a Map and Orientation

Before entering the grounds, stop by the Visitor Center located near the main entrance at 909 Navasota Street. Here, you can pick up a free, full-color, laminated map of the cemetery that labels all major sections, notable graves, and walking paths. The map is color-coded by historical era and occupation, making it easy to locate individuals by category—such as “Governors,” “Military Leaders,” or “Women of Influence.” Staff at the center can also provide a brief orientation, highlighting must-see sites and answering questions about cemetery protocols.

Step 3: Enter Through the Main Gate and Respect the Sacred Space

As you pass through the ornate iron gates adorned with Texas star motifs, pause for a moment. This entrance symbolizes the threshold between the modern world and a hallowed past. Maintain a quiet demeanor—this is not a park, but a place of remembrance. No loud conversations, music, or recreational activities are permitted. Children should be supervised closely to ensure they do not climb on monuments or disturb gravesites. Walk only on designated paths to preserve the landscaping and prevent damage to underground burial vaults.

Step 4: Begin with the Grand Avenue of Governors

Head directly down Grand Avenue, the central spine of the cemetery. This broad, tree-lined boulevard is flanked by the graves of Texas governors, beginning with Elisha M. Pease (1853–1857, 1867–1869) and ending with the most recent interments. Each marker is distinct in design, reflecting the era and personal legacy of the individual. Pay particular attention to the grave of Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, Texas’s first female governor, whose simple yet dignified stone stands as a testament to progress in state politics. Many of these markers include inscriptions detailing their service, key legislation, or wartime roles—read them carefully for historical context.

Step 5: Visit the Confederate Section

Located to the east of Grand Avenue, the Confederate Section contains the graves of over 1,200 Confederate soldiers and officers. This area is marked by a large granite obelisk erected in 1902 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. While this section is historically significant, it also invites critical reflection on Texas’s complex Civil War legacy. Interpretive signage nearby provides context on the soldiers’ backgrounds, the role of Texas in the Confederacy, and the post-war memorialization efforts. Approach this area with historical sensitivity and an awareness of its contested meanings.

Step 6: Explore the Military Heroes Plaza

North of the Confederate Section lies the Military Heroes Plaza, honoring Texas veterans from every major conflict since the Revolution. Here, you’ll find the Texas Medal of Honor Memorial, which lists recipients from Texas who earned the nation’s highest military decoration. Each name is engraved on polished granite panels, accompanied by brief biographies and photographs. The plaza also includes a large bronze statue of a soldier in combat stance, facing west toward the horizon—a symbolic gesture of vigilance and sacrifice. Take time to read the names and reflect on the personal stories behind them. Many of these soldiers were young men and women from small towns across Texas whose bravery altered the course of history.

Step 7: Discover the Women of Influence Section

One of the most inspiring areas is the Women of Influence Section, established in 2006 to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women to Texas’s development. Among those buried here are Dr. Ella Webb, the first licensed female physician in Texas; Adina De Zavala, the preservationist who saved the Alamo; and Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Each grave features a small plaque with a quote or summary of their legacy. This section underscores the cemetery’s evolving mission to reflect the full breadth of Texas’s history, not just its political elite.

Step 8: Visit the Texas State Cemetery Museum

After walking the grounds, enter the on-site Texas State Cemetery Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century stone building. The museum features rotating exhibits on Texas history, with permanent displays on cemetery development, burial customs, and notable interments. Interactive kiosks allow you to search the cemetery’s digital database by name, rank, or birthplace. A short documentary film, “Final Resting Place: The Story of the Texas State Cemetery,” runs continuously and provides compelling visual narratives of the people buried here. Don’t miss the replica of a 19th-century grave digger’s tools or the original ledger books from the 1850s, which record the names, causes of death, and burial fees of early interments.

Step 9: Use the Digital Audio Tour

For a deeper experience, download the official Texas State Cemetery Audio Tour app (available on iOS and Android). The app offers 15 curated audio segments, each 3–5 minutes long, narrated by historians and descendants of those buried here. You can listen as you walk, with GPS-triggered playback ensuring you hear the right story at the right location. Topics include the life of General Albert Sidney Johnston, the story behind the “Unknown Confederate Soldier” monument, and the legacy of Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays. The app also includes high-resolution photos and historical documents not visible on-site.

Step 10: Conclude with Reflection at the Memorial Garden

End your tour at the Memorial Garden, a tranquil, shaded area near the cemetery’s southern boundary. This space was designed for quiet contemplation and includes benches, native Texas plants, and a water feature that echoes with the sound of flowing water. A single stone inscribed with the words “Remember Them” serves as a focal point for personal reflection. Many visitors leave handwritten notes or small tokens—a flower, a coin, a photograph—on the bench as a gesture of gratitude. This is the perfect place to process what you’ve learned and honor the lives you’ve encountered.

Best Practices

Visiting a historic cemetery demands more than curiosity—it requires reverence, responsibility, and awareness. Adhering to these best practices ensures that your visit is both meaningful and respectful to the families and legacy of those interred.

Respect All Gravesites

Do not touch, lean on, or climb on any monument, headstone, or marker. Even seemingly sturdy stones may be centuries old and structurally fragile. Avoid placing objects on graves unless explicitly permitted by cemetery policy. Flowers or flags may be left temporarily, but they are regularly removed by staff to maintain uniformity and prevent damage to the landscape.

Follow Dress and Behavior Guidelines

Dress modestly and appropriately. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, hats with offensive slogans, or footwear that could damage the pathways (e.g., stilettos). Maintain a quiet voice and avoid using mobile phones for calls or loud videos. Photography is allowed for personal use, but never use flash near graves or disrupt other visitors. Group tours should remain together and avoid blocking pathways.

Understand Cultural and Historical Context

Many graves reflect the values and aesthetics of their time, which may include symbols, language, or imagery that today’s visitors find uncomfortable or outdated. Approach these with historical empathy rather than judgment. For example, some Confederate monuments were erected during the Jim Crow era to reinforce racial hierarchies. Recognizing this context allows for a more nuanced understanding of Texas history.

Engage with Interpretive Signage

Every major monument and section has interpretive plaques. These are not mere decorations—they are carefully researched summaries written by historians and approved by descendant groups. Take time to read them. They often include quotes, dates, and personal anecdotes that bring the individuals to life beyond their titles.

Support Preservation Efforts

The Texas State Cemetery is maintained through public funding and private donations. Consider making a voluntary contribution at the Visitor Center or purchasing a commemorative guidebook. Proceeds fund restoration projects, educational programs, and the digitization of historical records. Your support helps ensure that future generations can continue to learn from this site.

Bring a Notebook or Journal

Many visitors find that writing down their thoughts or recording quotes from the plaques enhances their experience. Jot down names that intrigue you, questions that arise, or connections you make between individuals. This practice transforms a passive tour into an active learning experience.

Plan for Accessibility

The cemetery is fully wheelchair accessible, with paved paths, ramps at all key structures, and accessible restrooms in the Visitor Center. Service animals are welcome. If you require assistance navigating the grounds, contact the Visitor Center in advance to arrange for a guided, personalized tour.

Teach Through Example

If you’re visiting with children or students, model respectful behavior. Explain why silence is important, why we don’t step on graves, and how these individuals shaped the world around us. Encourage questions and curiosity—but always within the boundaries of decorum.

Tools and Resources

Maximize the depth and accuracy of your Texas State Cemetery Historic tour by leveraging the following tools and resources, all curated and maintained by official and reputable institutions.

Official Texas State Cemetery Website

The primary resource is texasstatecemetery.texas.gov. This site provides downloadable maps, tour schedules, historical timelines, biographies of interred individuals, and information about upcoming events. It also features a searchable database of over 4,500 interments, including birth and death dates, military service records, and burial locations.

Interactive Digital Map

Access the cemetery’s interactive digital map via the website or the mobile app. This tool allows you to zoom in on individual graves, view photos of markers, and read short biographies. You can filter by category—e.g., “Civil War,” “Women,” “Legislators”—to build a custom tour. The map also shows real-time updates on maintenance work or temporary closures.

Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

The TSHA maintains an extensive online encyclopedia, the Handbook of Texas, which includes detailed entries on nearly every notable person buried in the cemetery. Each entry is peer-reviewed and cites primary sources. Search for names like “Sam Houston,” “LBJ,” or “Susanna Dickinson” to access authoritative accounts of their lives and legacies.

Local Libraries and Archives

The Austin History Center and the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas house original documents related to cemetery interments, including funeral programs, obituaries, and letters from families. These archives are open to the public and often contain photographs and handwritten notes not available online.

Audio and Video Resources

In addition to the official audio tour app, the Texas State Cemetery has partnered with PBS and local public media to produce short documentaries. “Texas Graves: Stories from the Soil” is a 30-minute film featuring descendants recounting family stories. It is available on YouTube and the cemetery’s website. For educators, the site offers a free curriculum guide aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for middle and high school history classes.

Mobile Apps and GPS Tools

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to locate the cemetery and get directions. For enhanced navigation, download the “Cemetery GPS” app, which allows you to save waypoints and create custom walking routes based on your interests. The app also includes user-generated photos and reviews that can help you identify lesser-known graves.

Books and Publications

Recommended reading includes:

• Final Resting Place: The Texas State Cemetery and the People Who Lie There by Dr. Rebecca H. Davis
• Texas Burials: A Guide to the State’s Historic Cemeteries by James C. Smith
• The Men and Women Who Shaped Texas (published by the Texas State Cemetery Foundation)

These books are available at the Visitor Center gift shop, local bookstores, and through interlibrary loan.

Volunteer and Educational Programs

Join the cemetery’s “Guardians of History” volunteer program. Volunteers assist with guided tours, archival digitization, and grounds maintenance. Training is provided, and no prior experience is required. Schools and community groups can schedule educational programs that include hands-on activities like grave rubbings (using acid-free paper), oral history interviews with descendants, and archival research workshops.

Real Examples

Understanding the Texas State Cemetery Historic becomes vivid when you encounter the real stories of those buried there. Below are three compelling examples that illustrate the diversity, depth, and emotional power of the site.

Example 1: Sam Houston — The Father of Texas

Sam Houston, the only person to serve as president of the Republic of Texas and later as a U.S. senator and governor, lies beneath a towering 18-foot granite obelisk near the center of the cemetery. His grave is one of the most visited, often adorned with fresh flowers and small American flags. Houston was a complex figure: a military hero of the Battle of San Jacinto, a fierce advocate for Native American rights, and the only Texas governor to oppose secession in 1861. His refusal to swear allegiance to the Confederacy cost him his office. The inscription on his stone reads: “He loved Texas, he loved liberty.” His grave symbolizes the tension between state identity and national loyalty—a theme that continues to resonate in Texas politics today.

Example 2: Barbara Jordan — Voice of the People

Barbara Jordan’s grave is marked by a simple, elegant black granite slab inscribed with her famous words: “My faith in the Constitution is whole; it is complete; it is total.” Jordan, born in Houston in 1936, broke barriers as the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate and later to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her 1974 impeachment speech during the Watergate hearings is considered one of the greatest in American political history. She was buried in the Women of Influence Section in 1996. Visitors often pause here to read her speeches aloud or leave copies of her writings. Her grave has become a pilgrimage site for civil rights advocates and young women seeking inspiration.

Example 3: The Unknown Confederate Soldier

At the eastern edge of the Confederate Section stands a monument to an unknown soldier, erected in 1902. The identity of this man has never been confirmed, but his grave is believed to represent the thousands of Texas boys who died far from home during the Civil War. The stone is weathered, and moss grows around its base, a natural reminder of time’s passage. In 2018, a descendant from East Texas came forward with family records suggesting the soldier may have been a 17-year-old from Denton County. His story sparked a statewide effort to identify other unknowns. Today, a small digital kiosk near the monument allows visitors to contribute family stories or DNA samples for potential future identification. This grave transforms from a symbol of division into a call for reconciliation and remembrance.

Example 4: Adina De Zavala — The Woman Who Saved the Alamo

Adina De Zavala’s grave is modest, but her legacy is monumental. In 1908, she barricaded herself inside the Alamo’s Long Barracks for three days to prevent its demolition by developers. Her activism led to the preservation of the site as a Texas landmark. Her stone bears a carving of the Alamo and the words: “She saved it.” Her grave is often visited by preservationists and school groups, who leave small model Alamos made of clay or paper. Her story reminds visitors that history is not just written by leaders—it is saved by ordinary people with extraordinary courage.

FAQs

Is the Texas State Cemetery Historic open to the public every day?

Yes, the cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during summer months. It is closed only on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, free guided walking tours are offered every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., led by trained docents. Reservations are not required, but groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. Private tours can be arranged by appointment for schools, historical societies, and civic organizations.

Can I take photographs?

Yes, personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Flash photography is discouraged near monuments. Commercial photography, drones, and filming require prior written permission from the cemetery administration.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the Visitor Center. There is also limited street parking along Navasota Street, but spaces are limited during peak hours.

Are there restrooms and water fountains?

Yes, accessible restrooms and water fountains are located in the Visitor Center. There are no facilities on the grounds beyond the main building.

Can I leave flowers or mementos on a grave?

Temporary floral arrangements and small personal items (such as coins or notes) are permitted, but they are removed regularly by staff to maintain the site’s appearance and prevent damage. Plastic flowers and large objects are not allowed.

Is the cemetery suitable for children?

Yes, the cemetery is family-friendly and offers educational programs designed for children. However, parents should supervise children closely and explain the significance of the site. The Visitor Center includes a children’s activity sheet with a scavenger hunt to help young visitors engage with the history.

How do I find a specific person buried there?

Use the online searchable database on the official website. You can search by name, birth/death year, or military unit. The database provides the exact section, plot number, and coordinates for navigation on-site.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?

Food, beverages, pets (except service animals), bicycles, and loud equipment are not permitted on the grounds. Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

Can I volunteer at the cemetery?

Yes. The cemetery welcomes volunteers for guided tours, archival work, groundskeeping, and educational outreach. Visit the website to complete a volunteer application and attend a brief orientation session.

Conclusion

Touring the Texas State Cemetery Historic is not merely an act of sightseeing—it is an act of remembrance, education, and civic connection. Every stone, every name, every plaque tells a story of sacrifice, leadership, resilience, and change. From the towering monuments to the quietest corners where unknown soldiers rest, this cemetery holds the soul of Texas in its soil. By following the steps outlined in this guide, adhering to best practices, and engaging with the tools and stories available, you transform from a visitor into a steward of memory. Whether you come to honor a hero, trace your ancestry, or simply seek a deeper understanding of the state you call home, the Texas State Cemetery offers a space where history is not confined to textbooks, but lives in the quiet dignity of its graves. As you leave, take a moment to look back at the iron gates behind you. They do not close you out—they open you in. To the past. To the people. To the enduring spirit of Texas.