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Thank you for subscribing to the Texas Heritage Traveler newsletter, a monthly showcase of heritage destinations, events, and unique Lone Star history for the traveling history-lover. Please support the Texas Heritage Trails Program by forwarding this email to family or friends who love to travel or
In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Dr. Andrea Roberts, founder of the Texas Freedom Colonies Project, to discuss her passion for documenting historic Black settlements and the impact this work has had on lives across Black communities in Texas and beyond.
Black History Month celebrations carry special significance this year, as 2026 marks the centennial of what began in 1926 as a week-long commemoration known as “Negro History Week,” founded by Carter G. Woodson. The event was timed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas on February 12 and 14, respectively. In the decades that followed, schools organized their own observances, and city mayors issued yearly proclamations recognizing “Negro History Week.” Over time, these efforts evolved into what we now know as Black History Month, first embraced across college campuses.
A powerful new chapter in Texas history is now easier to explore. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission have partnered to launch the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail microsite, an effort rooted in decades of scholarship and advocacy by Dr. A.C. Jackson and Ken Pollard. The site honors the bravery, service, and enduring legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers during America’s westward expansion.
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Nominate a Historic Business
Clarence Lewis & Son Mortuary in Conroe was founded on June 23, 1973, by Clarence Lewis, Sr., a great-grandson of Sgt. Luther Dorsey the only confirmed Buffalo Soldier buried in Montgomery County to serve Black families denied services elsewhere. The business remains in the same location and is now owned by Clarence Lewis, Jr. and Creisha Lewis Cotton, continuing the family tradition of funeral services, cremation, ambulance, and notary services.
More than 700 Texas businesses have been honored for their historic significance with a Texas Treasure Business Award. Nominate your longtime favorite today!
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Upcoming Regional Events
Exploring Texas regionally is a great way to plan your travel across the state, or organize day trips if you are staying in one community for several days. Click here to see all regions Explore Regions | Texas Time Travel
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Brazos Trail Region
Feb 14: Fanthorp Wedding and Stagecoach Ride, Anderson
Celebrate the wedding reenactment of Mary Ann Fanthorp and William Stone with stories of their early lives, a noon ceremony, and a chance to sign a colonial Texas marriage license. And enjoy a ride on Fanthorp Inn's replica stagecoach.
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Plains Trail Region
Feb 14: Frontier Voices: Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers, Goodnight
Discover the untold stories of the Black men who shaped the Texas Panhandle—as soldiers, cowboys, and preachers—and explore how their courage helped define the Texas we know today!
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Independence Trail Region
Feb 19: The Republic of Texas is No More, Washington
Celebrate the 180th anniversary of Texas statehood at Washington-on-the-Brazos with a commemorative American flag raising in front of Hatfield’s Exchange and readings from Anson Jones’ historic 1846 speech.
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Forest Trail Region
Feb 20: WINNSBORO Live! Country Nights, Winnsboro
Gather your friends and family for a boot-scootin’ good time with live country music and dancing all night, featuring the Dexter Rowe Band and special guest Queen Kiwi.
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Lakes Trail Region
Feb 28: Flags Over Texas, Paris
Celebrate Texas Independence Day at the Sam Bell Maxey House with a fun, hands-on program where kids can explore the stories behind Texas’ many flags and create their own to take home!
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Tropical Trail Region
Mar 5-8: Fulton Oysterfest, Fulton
Experience the excitement of Fulton Oysterfest with carnival rides, cold beer, unique shopping, and the thrilling Oyster Eating Contest celebrating everyone’s favorite Gulf delicacy!
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Hill Country Trail Region
Mar 7: Power of the Past, Boerne
Celebrate 40 years of The AgriCultural Museum & Arts Center with vintage cars and tractors, live music, tasty food trucks, and hands-on fun for the whole family!
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