Over the years, a significant number of our guests have been members of Classical Conversations, and many have remarked what a good fit our Christian worldview tours were with the CC philosophy and curriculum. Having hosted several CC groups in Washington DC, we were asked by some CC friends in Texas to consider doing the same in the Lone Star state and we thought that was a fabulous idea. So, round up your CC friends and join us in San Antonio for a three-day CC-Centric Texas History tour May 24-26, culminating at San Jacinto, birthplace of the Texas Republic and less than an hour from beautiful South Texas beaches for Memorial Day weekend.
* Limited number of spaces available for those not members of Classical Conversations.
About the Event
oin us on a three-day car tour across the Lone Star State as we offer a gripping overview of some of the state’s defining moments. We will visit the iconic Alamo where Davy Crocket, Jim Bowie, William Travis and other freedom lovers made their gallant stand against Santa Anna and the Mexican Army. You will see the cannon that inspired the patriots of Gonzales in their “Come and Take It!” response to a tyrannical order. We will walk the San Jacinto Battlefield where Texas Independence was won and much more. All along the way Mr. Potter will be noting God’s providence in the affairs of men.
We designed this tour to be simple, affordable and enjoyable for the entire family. Whether you come for a day or the whole campaign, we look forward to walking through history with you. Hope to see you in Texas!
Menger Hotel
The oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi boasts a distinguished guest list. Teddy Roosevelt mustered the Rough Riders in the Menger Bar.
Alamo
The iconic mission where Travis drew “the line in the sand” and bravely fought to the last man with heroes Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, James Bonham and more.
Buckhorn Saloon
The oldest running saloon in Texas is rich in both history and culture—from its Texas Ranger Museum to The Buckhorn Saloon and the exotic animal collection comprised of specimens from every continent. The saloon is where Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution!
San Fernando Cathedral
The original church of San Fernando was built between 1738 and 1750. The walls of that church today form the sanctuary of the cathedral, which gives rise to its claim as the oldest cathedral in the State of Texas.
Milam Park
“Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?” The call that roused three hundred men to attack Mexican forces and drive them from San Antonio.
Gonzales Memorial Museum
Gonzales became the “Lexington of Texas,” when the Texas Revolution’s first skirmish happened there. Colonists flying a flag that defiantly bore the phrase “Come and Take It” repelled Mexican efforts to seize the village cannon.
Monument Hill
Militia from Fayette County rushed to the defense of the Republic of Texas in 1842 to expel Mexican forces from San Antonio. Monument Hill Historic Site honors the casualties from those encounters.
Kreische Brewery
In 1849, German immigrant and master stone mason, Heinrich Ludwig Kreische, purchased 172 acres of land now known as Monument Hill. Kreische built a three-story house for his family and utilized the spring water from the ravine below his house to start one of the first commercial breweries in Texas.
Blue Bell Creamery
Today best known for bluebonnets and ice cream, but in the mid-19th century, it was better known as a cotton, retail, and wholesale hub, thanks to a railroad line, German immigrant farmers, and Jewish merchants.
San Jacinto Monument
“Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” shouted the Texian troops led by Gen. Sam Houston when they surprised the Mexican army that was camped here in 1836. The decisive Battle of San Jacinto resulted in Texas’ independence from Mexico. Purposely built 15 feet higher than the Washington Monument, the San Jacinto Monument houses a museum with a treasure trove of Texas artifacts.
San Felipe de Austin
San Felipe became known as the “Cradle of Texas Liberty.” It was home to Stephen F. Austin and other famous early Texans, and served as the unofficial capital of the colony that he founded in 1823.
Star of the Republic Museum
Discover the interesting history of the new Republic and learn about the cultures and values of early Texans.
Washington on the Brazos
Where Texas became Texas. It was here in 1836 that 59 representatives of the Texas settlements met to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.
Historian Bill Potter
An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. He has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Dr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Dr. Potter has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.
Adult (16+):
Youth (5-15):
Add’l Family (unlimited):
Note: Schedule days and venues subject to change.
Wednesday, May 24
San Antonio
| 9:00am | Menger Hotel Lobby Teddy Roosevelt, Rough Riders 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
 463 ft ≈ 2 minutes |
|
| 10:00am | Alamo Heroes Cenotaph Monument 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| .2 miles ≈ 4 minutes |
|
| 11:30am | Buckhorn Saloon & Museum 318 E Houston St., San Antonio, 78205 |
| .4 miles ≈ 9 minutes |
|
| 2:00pm | San Fernando Cathedral 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, 78205 |
| .3 miles ≈ 7 minutes |
|
| 3:00pm | Milam Park 500 W. Commerce St, San Antonio, 78207 |
| 1 miles ≈ 21 minutes |
|
| Overnight in San Antonio Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Alamo 422 Bonham St, San Antonio, 78205 |
Thursday, May 25
Gonzales to Brenham
| 9:00am | Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
 73.5 miles ≈ 1 hour, 14 minutes |
|
| 12:30pm | Gonzales Memorial Museum 414 Smith St., Gonzales, TX 78629 |
| 54.3 miles ≈ 56 minutes |
|
| 2:00pm | Monument Hill, Kreische Brewery 414 TX-92 Spur, La Grange, TX 78945 |
| 42 miles ≈ 54 minutes |
|
| 4:30pm | Blue Bell Creamery 1101 S. Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX 77833 |
| 3.4 miles ≈ 9 minutes |
|
| Overnight in Brenham Hampton Inn & Suites Brenham 2605 Schulte Blvd, Brenham, TX 77833 |
Friday, May 26
Brenham to San Jacinto
| 23.1 miles ≈ 30 minutes |
|
| 9:30am | Washington-on-the-Brazos, Star of the Republic Museum 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880 |
| 55.8 miles ≈ 1 hour, 4 minutes |
|
| 1:30pm | San Felipe de Austin 220 2nd St, San Felipe, TX 77473 |
| 72.3 miles ≈ 1 hour, 18 minutes |
|
| 4:00pm | San Jacinto Museum, Monument, Battlefield 1 Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571 |
Our designated hotel in Brenham is full… You can absolutely stay wherever works best for you. We find that TripAdvisor is a good resource for hotels while VRBO is helpful for whole house rentals.
Image Credits: 1 San Jacinto Monument (Justin Turley) 2 San Felipe de Austin (Wikipedia.org) 3 Star of the Republic Museum (Wikipedia.org) 4 Washington on the Brazos (Wikipedia.org) 5 Gonzales (Gonzales Memorial Museum) 6 Monument Hill (TripAdvisor.com) 7 Kreische Brewery (Wikipedia.org) 8 Buckhorn Saloon (Justin Turley) 9 Menger Hotel (Wikipedia.org) 10 The Alamo (Justin Turley) 11 Spanish Governor’s Palace (Justin Turley) 12 San Fernando Cathedral (Justin Turley) 13 Mi Tierra Café (TripAdvisor.com) 14 Milam Park (Justin Turley)
Upcoming Events
Spirit of the West Tour
September 23-27, 2024
Virginia Historic Triangle Tour
October 18-19, 2024
