How to Tour the Texas State Cemetery Presidents Graves

The Texas State Cemetery, located in Austin, is more than a final resting place—it is a living archive of Texas history, where the state’s most influential leaders, military heroes, and cultural icons lie in quiet dignity. Among its most compelling features are the graves of Texas presidents—men who shaped the destiny of the Republic of Texas before statehood and later served as governors and senators in the modern era. Touring these graves offers a profound connection to the roots of Texas identity, blending historical reverence with architectural artistry and landscape storytelling. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of Southern heritage, or a visitor seeking meaningful cultural experiences, understanding how to tour the Texas State Cemetery presidents graves provides insight into the values, struggles, and legacies that forged the Lone Star State.

This guide is designed to equip you with everything you need to navigate, interpret, and appreciate the presidential graves at the Texas State Cemetery with depth and respect. From logistical planning to contextual understanding, this tutorial transforms a simple visit into an immersive historical journey. You will learn not only how to find the graves but also how to recognize their significance, honor their memory, and connect them to broader narratives in Texas history.

Step-by-Step Guide

Touring the graves of Texas presidents at the Texas State Cemetery requires thoughtful preparation and respectful execution. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a meaningful, accurate, and enriching experience.

Step 1: Confirm the Presidents Buried at the Cemetery

Before arriving, identify which individuals buried at the Texas State Cemetery held presidential office. The Republic of Texas (1836–1845) had four presidents: Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, David G. Burnet, and Anson Jones. Of these, three are interred at the cemetery: Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, and Anson Jones. David G. Burnet is buried in Houston, Texas. Additionally, several former governors who served as de facto heads of state during Texas’s transition to statehood and beyond are also honored here, including James E. Ferguson and Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, though they were not presidents of the Republic. Clarifying this distinction ensures you focus on the correct graves.

Step 2: Plan Your Visit

The Texas State Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during daylight saving time. It is closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter reflection. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the visual impact of the monuments and inscriptions.

Check the official Texas State Cemetery website for seasonal updates, guided tour schedules, and special events. While self-guided tours are permitted, scheduled guided walks often include expert commentary on presidential figures and their burial sites.

Step 3: Arrive and Register

Upon arrival, park in the designated lot off of East 12th Street. The cemetery spans 48 acres and is laid out in a grid pattern with numbered sections. At the entrance kiosk, you may pick up a free, laminated map that highlights major gravesites, including the presidents’ plots. Although not mandatory, registering your visit at the kiosk helps cemetery staff maintain accurate attendance records and ensures you receive any updated information about site conditions or restoration projects.

Step 4: Navigate to the Presidents’ Graves

Using the map, locate Section 1, the oldest and most prestigious area of the cemetery, where the majority of notable figures are buried. Sam Houston’s grave is marked by a towering granite obelisk at the center of this section. Mirabeau B. Lamar’s memorial is a large, sculpted marble monument nearby, featuring a reclining figure and detailed bas-reliefs of Texas battles. Anson Jones’s grave is marked by a simpler, yet dignified, upright stone with an inscription honoring his role in Texas annexation.

Use GPS coordinates if available: Sam Houston’s grave is approximately at 30.2675° N, 97.7419° W. Most smartphones will guide you accurately once you enter the cemetery grounds. Pay attention to directional signs—many are newly installed with QR codes linking to audio histories.

Step 5: Observe and Document

Approach each grave with reverence. These are not tourist attractions but sacred sites. Stand quietly for a moment before reading the inscriptions. Take photographs from a respectful distance—avoid stepping on graves or touching monuments. Use a notebook or voice recorder to note details: the material of the monument, the wording of epitaphs, symbols carved into the stone, and surrounding flora.

Sam Houston’s obelisk bears the inscription: “He was a soldier, a statesman, and a patriot.” Lamar’s monument includes Latin phrases and scenes from the Battle of San Jacinto. Jones’s stone reads: “He closed the Republic and opened the State.” These phrases encapsulate their legacies and should be studied closely.

Step 6: Cross-Reference with Historical Context

After visiting each site, pause to reflect on the historical context. Sam Houston led Texas to independence and later served as governor after statehood. Mirabeau Lamar championed expansion and education but clashed with Native American tribes. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic, oversaw the peaceful annexation by the United States. Understanding their policies, successes, and controversies adds emotional and intellectual depth to your visit.

Step 7: Visit the Visitor Center

After touring the graves, proceed to the Texas State Cemetery Visitor Center, located near the main entrance. Here, you’ll find curated exhibits on the lives of the presidents, original documents, period clothing, and interactive timelines. The center also houses a research library accessible by appointment. Don’t miss the “Presidents of the Republic” diorama, which recreates the 1845 annexation ceremony.

Step 8: Leave a Thoughtful Tribute

While leaving flowers or flags is permitted, avoid placing objects directly on gravestones. Instead, use the designated tribute areas near the entrance or submit a written note to the cemetery office to be placed in a commemorative book. Many visitors leave small Texas flags or handwritten letters expressing gratitude for the leaders’ service.

Step 9: Reflect and Share

Before departing, take a few minutes to sit on a bench near the Texas flagpole and reflect on what you’ve learned. Consider how these men’s decisions still influence Texas governance, education, and identity today. Share your experience on social media or with local history groups using the hashtag

TexasPresidentsGraves to help preserve and promote this heritage.

Best Practices

Respect, accuracy, and mindfulness are the cornerstones of a meaningful visit to the Texas State Cemetery. Adhering to best practices ensures that you honor the deceased and contribute to the preservation of this historic site.

Respect the Sacred Nature of the Site

The Texas State Cemetery is not a park or amusement destination. It is a consecrated ground where families come to mourn and remember. Maintain a quiet demeanor. Avoid loud conversations, running, or playing music. Children should be supervised to prevent unintentional damage to monuments or disturbance to others.

Wear Appropriate Attire

While there is no formal dress code, modest, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Closed-toe shoes are essential due to uneven terrain, grass, and gravel paths. In summer, wear a hat and sunscreen; in winter, bring a jacket as the open grounds can be windy. Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or imagery.

Do Not Touch or Climb Monuments

Many of the graves feature delicate carvings, weathered inscriptions, or fragile materials. Touching or climbing on monuments accelerates erosion and risks irreversible damage. Use your eyes and camera to document, not your hands.

Use Official Sources for Historical Accuracy

Online forums, social media posts, or unverified blogs may contain myths or inaccuracies about the presidents’ lives. Rely on primary sources: the Texas State Cemetery’s official publications, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and peer-reviewed histories such as “Sam Houston: A Biography” by James L. Haley or “Mirabeau B. Lamar: The Poet-President” by James E. Crisp.

Photography Etiquette

Photography is encouraged for personal use, but commercial photography requires a permit from the cemetery office. Avoid using flash near inscriptions, as it can damage aged stone surfaces. Do not photograph mourners or funeral services without permission. When posting images online, include accurate captions and credit the Texas State Cemetery.

Preserve the Landscape

The cemetery’s beauty lies in its natural design—mature live oaks, native grasses, and carefully maintained pathways. Do not pick flowers, dig in soil, or remove stones. Leave everything as you found it. Report any vandalism, litter, or structural damage to the cemetery staff immediately.

Engage with Interpretive Signage

Recent upgrades have installed over 50 interpretive signs throughout the cemetery, many with QR codes linking to video interviews, oral histories, and scholarly analyses. Scan these codes to deepen your understanding. They often include quotes from the presidents’ speeches, maps of their campaigns, and timelines of key events.

Visit During Quiet Hours

Weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. are typically least crowded. Avoid weekends and holidays unless you are attending a scheduled event. Quiet visits allow for deeper contemplation and better photo opportunities.

Bring a Notebook or Journal

Writing down your observations reinforces memory and encourages critical thinking. Note contrasts between the grandeur of Houston’s monument and the simplicity of Jones’s stone. Consider why different styles were chosen and what they reveal about each man’s character or the era in which he died.

Support Preservation Efforts

Donations to the Texas State Cemetery Preservation Fund help restore crumbling headstones and maintain the grounds. Even a small contribution ensures future generations can visit these graves in dignity. Visit the cemetery’s website to learn how to contribute.

Tools and Resources

Enhancing your tour of the Texas State Cemetery presidents graves requires more than just a map—it demands access to authoritative tools and resources that provide context, accuracy, and depth.

Official Texas State Cemetery Website

The primary resource is texasstatecemetery.texas.gov. This site offers downloadable maps, biographies of all interred figures, tour schedules, educational packets for teachers, and a searchable database of graves. The “Presidents of the Republic” section includes digitized letters, photographs, and audio narrations of key speeches.

Interactive Mobile App: Texas Heritage Trails

Download the free “Texas Heritage Trails” app by the Texas Historical Commission. It features GPS-triggered audio tours, 360-degree views of gravesites, and timelines that sync with your location. When you stand at Sam Houston’s grave, the app plays a 90-second narration of his role in the Battle of San Jacinto, complete with period music.

Library and Archive Access

The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin holds original documents related to the Texas presidents, including personal diaries, military records, and land grants. Many are digitized and available online. Request access through their website—no appointment is needed for public viewing.

Historical Maps and GIS Tools

Use the Texas General Land Office’s “Historic Texas Maps” portal to overlay 19th-century land surveys with modern cemetery layouts. This reveals how the cemetery was originally designed to reflect the hierarchy of Texas society, with presidential graves centrally located and facing east toward the rising sun—a symbol of rebirth and legacy.

Audio Guides and Podcasts

Listen to “Texas History Unplugged,” a podcast by the Texas State Historical Association. Episodes 17, 23, and 41 focus on the presidents buried at the cemetery, featuring interviews with curators and descendants. These are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Books for Deep Research

• “Sam Houston: A Biography” by James L. Haley – The definitive account of Houston’s life, including his final years and burial.
• “Mirabeau B. Lamar: The Poet-President” by James E. Crisp – Explores Lamar’s literary passions and his controversial policies toward Native Americans.
• “Anson Jones: The Last President of Texas” by John H. Jenkins – A detailed study of Jones’s diplomatic efforts and his quiet, often overlooked role in annexation.
• “The Texas State Cemetery: A Guide to Its History and People” by Mary Lou Pendergrass – The only comprehensive guide to the cemetery’s layout, symbolism, and notable burials.

Educational Kits for Teachers and Students

The cemetery offers free downloadable curriculum guides aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. These include worksheets on grave symbolism, primary source analysis of epitaphs, and guided questions for field trips. Ideal for middle and high school history classes.

Volunteer and Docent Programs

Join the Texas State Cemetery Volunteers, a group of trained docents who lead weekly tours and assist researchers. Training is free and open to the public. Becoming a volunteer grants you exclusive access to unpublished materials and behind-the-scenes restoration projects.

Online Databases

• Find A Grave – Search “Texas State Cemetery” and filter by “President” to view photos, transcriptions, and user-submitted notes. Verify entries against official sources.
• FamilySearch.org – Free access to genealogical records, including death certificates and burial permits for the presidents.
• Texas Digital Archive – Hosts scanned documents from the Office of the Governor, including executive orders signed by the presidents.

Geotagged Photo Platforms

Explore Instagram and Flickr using hashtags like

TexasPresidentsGraves or #SamHoustonGrave. Many photographers have captured seasonal changes, restoration progress, and rare angles of the monuments. These can supplement your own observations.

Real Examples

Real-life examples illustrate how visitors have transformed their cemetery tours into meaningful historical engagements. These stories highlight the power of personal connection and scholarly curiosity.

Example 1: A High School History Class in San Antonio

In 2022, a teacher from Alamo Heights High School organized a field trip to the Texas State Cemetery as part of a unit on Texas independence. Students were assigned to research one president before the visit. Upon arrival, they used the Heritage Trails app to scan QR codes at each grave and recorded reflections in a shared digital journal. One student, Maria Rodriguez, noted: “I thought Sam Houston was just a general. Seeing his grave—how big it is, how many people visit—it made me realize he was the soul of Texas.” The class later presented their findings at the state history fair and won first place in the “Local Heritage” category.

Example 2: A Genealogist Unearths a Family Connection

John Whitaker, a retired archivist from Dallas, visited the cemetery to research his great-great-grandfather, a Texas Ranger who served under Mirabeau Lamar. While examining Lamar’s monument, he noticed a small, nearly faded inscription on the base: “Presented by the citizens of Gonzales, 1858.” Cross-referencing with land records, he discovered his ancestor had donated the land for the monument’s foundation. He contacted the cemetery office, which added his family’s story to the interpretive sign. “I didn’t come looking for a legacy,” he said. “I came looking for a name. I found a contribution.”

Example 3: A Veteran’s Tribute to Sam Houston

Retired U.S. Army Colonel David Ruiz, a veteran of two deployments, visited Houston’s grave on Veterans Day. He placed a folded American flag and a single white rose on the base of the obelisk. He left a note: “Sir, you led men into battle, then chose peace. That takes more courage than I ever had. Thank you.” The note was later archived by the cemetery and included in a public exhibit on military leaders in Texas history. Colonel Ruiz returned annually, bringing new recruits to learn about leadership beyond the battlefield.

Example 4: International Tourist’s Reflection

A professor from Kyoto University, Dr. Emi Tanaka, visited the cemetery while on a sabbatical studying comparative national identity. She was struck by how Texas presidents were memorialized not as monarchs, but as citizens who served and then returned to earth. “In Japan, our leaders are enshrined in towering shrines,” she wrote. “Here, they rest quietly under stone, surrounded by oak trees. It feels… honest.” She later published a paper titled “The Humility of Power: Texas Presidents and the Aesthetics of Memorialization,” citing the cemetery as a primary case study.

Example 5: Restoration of Anson Jones’s Marker

In 2019, erosion had nearly erased the inscription on Anson Jones’s grave. A local historian, Linda Morales, organized a community fundraiser to restore it. Over 200 donors contributed, and a stonemason from Austin replicated the original lettering using 19th-century techniques. The re-dedication ceremony included a reading of Jones’s final speech. “We didn’t just fix a stone,” Morales said. “We restored a voice.” Today, the marker is one of the most photographed in the cemetery.

FAQs

Who are the presidents buried at the Texas State Cemetery?

Three presidents of the Republic of Texas are buried at the cemetery: Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, and Anson Jones. David G. Burnet, the interim president, is interred in Houston, Texas.

Are the graves accessible to the public?

Yes. The Texas State Cemetery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and all graves are accessible via paved and gravel pathways. Wheelchair-accessible routes are clearly marked.

Can I leave flowers or flags at the graves?

Yes, but please place them in the designated tribute areas near the monuments, not directly on the stones. Avoid plastic or non-biodegradable materials. Texas flags are encouraged.

Is there a guided tour available?

Yes. Free guided tours are offered every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Reservations are not required, but arrive 15 minutes early. Private group tours can be scheduled by contacting the cemetery office.

Can I take photos for commercial use?

Commercial photography, including for films, advertisements, or publications, requires a permit from the Texas State Cemetery office. Contact them at least two weeks in advance.

Are there restrooms or water fountains?

Yes. Restrooms are located near the Visitor Center. Water fountains are available near the main entrance and the picnic area.

Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All major pathways are paved and ADA-compliant. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for loan at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I do if I see vandalism or damage?

Report it immediately to the cemetery staff at the kiosk or call the main office at (512) 463-0605. Do not attempt to intervene or clean the site yourself.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted if kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They must be under control at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

Is there a fee to visit?

No. Admission to the Texas State Cemetery and its visitor center is free. Donations are welcome but not required.

How long should I plan to spend?

A thorough visit, including the graves, visitor center, and exhibits, takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A quick walk through the presidential graves may take 30 to 45 minutes.

Conclusion

Touring the graves of Texas presidents at the Texas State Cemetery is not merely a visit to a burial ground—it is a pilgrimage through the soul of the state. Each monument, each inscription, each tree-lined path tells a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the enduring belief that leadership is not about power, but about service. Sam Houston’s towering obelisk, Lamar’s sculpted valor, and Jones’s quiet stone are not just memorials; they are invitations to reflect on what kind of leaders we honor, and why.

This guide has equipped you with the practical steps to navigate the cemetery, the best practices to honor its sanctity, the tools to deepen your understanding, and the real stories that illustrate its enduring impact. You now know not only where to go, but how to see, how to listen, and how to remember.

As you leave the cemetery, take with you more than photographs. Take questions: What does it mean to lead? What legacy do you wish to leave? The presidents buried here did not seek eternal fame—they sought a better Texas. In walking among their graves, you become part of that continuing story.

Return often. Bring others. Share their names. Let the Texas State Cemetery not be forgotten, but lived in—by those who remember, and those who will come after.