Texas Civil War Museum

Opened in 2006, the Texas Civil War Museum claims to be the largest Civil War museum west of the Mississippi. And with 15,000 square feet of space packed with thousands of historical objects, artifacts, and educational opportunities, it probably is. Start your journey with the half-hour film, Our Home, Our Rights: Texas in the Civil War, which plays continuously in a 75-seat theater. Then venture over to the Victorian dress collection, where more than 200 dresses and accessories are put on rotating display. Then find the United Daughters of the Confederacy collection, which holds period articles and the largest collection of Texas regimental flags in the state.

But the main attraction is the Ray Richey Civil War Collection, where more than 3,000 items pay homage to the plight and history of both sides. See Union and Confederate uniforms, musical instruments, medical tools, and other artifacts. The museum also houses unique items such as General Grant’s presentation sword and the first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.