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May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor those who have served our country. This issue of The Heritage Traveler highlights Texas’ World War II sites and the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps on our state parks. We also feature the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit now on display in San Elizario, where local heritage and national history intersect in West Texas. Join us as we reflect on the people, places, and programs that shaped our history, both at home and on the front lines.
You might not expect a world-class World War II museum in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, but Fredericksburg’s National Museum of the Pacific War proves otherwise. And it’s just the beginning. Across Texas, lesser-known sites reveal the war’s far-reaching impact in unexpected ways—from female pilots and glider missions to POW camps and internment sites. These places tell a different kind of war story—one rooted right here in Texas.
During the 1930s, as the Great Depression gripped America, a revolutionary program emerged that would forever change the landscape of Texas. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) not only provided employment to thousands of young men but also created an enduring legacy of beautiful state parks that continue to welcome visitors nearly nine decades later. These parks, with their distinctive stone buildings, thoughtfully designed trails, and harmonious integration with natural settings, represent one of the most successful public works programs in American history.
Set along the historic Camino Real and framed by the rugged beauty of the West Texas desert, San Elizario is a community where centuries of history come to life. Visitors will find vibrant art, rich cultural traditions, and a deep connection to the region’s storied past.
Until June 15, San Elizario is hosting the Smithsonian’s “Crossroads: Changes of Rural America” traveling exhibition at the Los Portales Museum and Information Center. This interactive experience brings history to life, exploring how small towns have shaped—and been shaped by—change.
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