San Augustine: Mission Dolores State Historic Site

Two people walking along a trellis-covered walkway next to a stone building
Museum exhibits
Granite marker labeled Mission Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de los Ais

Centennial Marker at the site of Mission Dolores

Wooded area with a walking path

Walking paths through the forest surrounding the mission site

Drawing of a Native American on foot leading a group of soldiers wearing armor on horseback and carrying pikes

Spanish explores in Texas (Texas State Library and Archives)

Map of paths leading from Mexico, across Texas, to Louisiana labeled El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Map of the El Camino Real de los Tejas (National Park Service)

Painting of a walled area containing a church, well, garden, and horse corral

Daily life at Mission Dolores

Portrait of General Sam Houston

General Sam Houston (Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

Mission Dolores was founded here by the Spanish in 1721 along the Camino Real de los Tejas, just 20 miles west of the Texas-Louisiana border.  It was abandoned in the late 1700s but the town that sprung up nearby – San Augustine – survives.

General Sam Houston once lived in San Augustine – even serving as a Congressman during his time here.

Visitors can explore the site’s history at the museum where interpretive displays tell the story of Mission Dolores. The property also has a campground, picnic area, and group pavilions.

Mission Dolores State Historic Site

  • Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., 
  • Admission: None
  • 701 S. Broadway, San Augustine, TX
  • 936-275-3815
  • Visit Website
  • National Register of Historic Places, a Texas Historical Commission property
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