Gonzales
The Birthplace of Texas Freedom

Welcome to Gonzales, where Texas freedom was born. Gonzales, the most historic town in Texas, is located approximately 65 miles east of San Antonio, 65 miles south of Austin, 125 miles west of Houston, 14 miles south of Interstate 10, at the intersection of the Chisholm Trail and the Old Spanish Trail.

Old 1887 Jail Museum and the Chamber of Commerce office

Gonzales history brings tourists to the area, with the Old Jail Museum featured as the Visitor Information Center and the office of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture. Other tourism activities include the self-guided Walking and Driving Tours of the downtown historic district, Memorial Museum, Gonzales Pioneer Village Living History Center, Outdoor Interpretive Exhibits at Memorial Museum and Independence Park, Palmetto State Park along the San Marcos River, and Lake Wood Park along the Guadalupe River.

There are few communities in South Texas that have to offer all the beauty, history and majesty that is Gonzales. The downtown square is something to see, with cute shops and restaurants setting up home in lovingly restored buildings, to the museums displaying testaments to Gonzales' colorful past.

The squares are a living testament to Gonzales' incredible history. From the monuments and memorials to the fire house, which is still in operation, to the old jail, which has been turned into a museum and offices for the Chamber of Commerce, you can't get away from the history. Chamber volunteers are always available and eager to give visitors a personal tour of this wonderful community.

Boothe House Bed & Breakfast, built in 1913

Radiating out from the square, the shopping and exploring continue with a wide array of beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, each offering weary visitors a comfortable bed, hearty meal and the type of hospitality that you'll only find in South Texas.

There are a multitude of museums waiting to tell you their stories. And, if you're looking for treasures, you won't have to look further than one of Gonzales' many antique stores.

Come visit Gonzales, The Birthplace of Texas Freedom, and enjoy Texas history where it happened.

For more information about Gonzales and its history, visit the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture office in the Old Jail Museum at 414 St. Lawrence St.