Explore Hill Country History and Culture in Boerne, Texas
One way to absorb the local color and culture and enhance your vacation experience during your next visit to the Texas Hill Country is to visit local museums and historical sites. Hotel Giles has its own history dating back to 1880, and the town of Comfort is steeped in history with buildings and monuments that preserve its place in America's story. Similarly, the neighboring town of Boerne has worked to preserve its rich historic treasures. Get a deeper insight into the culture and traditions of Texas Hill Country with a stop at these Boerne historical sites.
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center
The AgriCultural Museum started in 1986 as a way to preserve Boerne's farming heritage for future generations. It has since partnered with the Hill Country Council for the Arts to expand its exhibits and programs. Located on 5 acres in Boerne City Park, the museum includes a big red barn filled with agricultural antiques and farm equipment, as well as a wood shop, blacksmith shop and pioneer house. A series of special events includes an Antique Tractor Pull, the Boerne Bierfest, and the twice-monthly Blue Grass Jam. Guests also can sign up for art workshops, Dutch oven cooking classes and blacksmithing classes.
Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex
Visitors at the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex will find more than 2,000 artifacts in the three building complex on Historic Hill in Boerne. The Kuhlmann-King House, Pioneer Kitchen and Graham Building all offer a diverse set of cultural items set up in immersive displays for visitors to appreciate. Learn about life in the early 1900s and the German family that once lived there. Don't miss the special events such as German cooking and brewing classes, presentations on quilts and antique firearms, and chicken poop bingo (yes, you read that right).
Robert E. Lee House
The 1860 Robert E. Lee House was part of the O’Grady Inn before the Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was known to stay in the house on his way between Fort Sam Houston and Camp Verde. The owner, Irish immigrant John O'Grady, was the postmaster and ran a stage coach station where travelers could dine and lodge. Today, this little house on Main Street is all that remains of the original buildings on the property. While the interior is not open for viewing, it's a fun, quick stop to see a piece of Texas history and one of the significant landmarks on Boerne's self-guided Historic Walking Tour.
