Explore our history

  • San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield

    Every year La Porte, along with Texans everywhere, celebrate the most well known story – the story of Texas Independence. On April 21, 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. The stage for that epic battle was the land now known as the City of La Porte. The fighting took place just five miles from downtown Main Street. Today, the San Jacinto Monument towers over the hallowed grounds casting long shadows of remembrance over the thriving industrial businesses of the Houston Ship Channel. Visitors making the historical pilgrimage can immerse themselves in Texas history inside the Monument Museum, and ride an elevator the staggering four-hundred eighty feet to the top of the Monument.

  • La porte historic colored school & Museum

    The Historic La Porte Colored School, known as only the “schoolhouse” then, was established in 1909, when Blacks had no school building to call their own. This building deteriorated after the community no longer had a use for it and was reconstructed in 2018 using salvaged materials from the original building. The Historic La Porte Colored School and Museum is open to the public from 11 am - 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

    401 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

  • La Porte Historic Depot Museum

    La Porte was a major tourist destination in the early 20th century, known as the “Coney Island of the South” and a regular stop on the Moonlight Express train from Houston. The depot is now the La Porte Historic Depot Museum, showcasing photos and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history.

    604 Park St

Celebrate Black History Month at the Historic La Porte Colored School and Museum

  • Children’s Story Time

    Saturday, February 7 at 11 AM

    Join us for an inspiring start to Black History Month at the Historic Colored School and Museum!

    We are honored to welcome a very special guest reader, Judge Janikka Bratton, for this edition of Children's Story Time. Judge Bratton is a history-maker herself as the first African American Presiding Judge for the City of La Porte.

  • Black History Jeopardy

    Saturday, February 14 at 12 PM

    How well do you know your history? Put your knowledge to the test!

    Join us for a spirited game of Black History Jeopardy. It’s a fantastic way to learn fascinating facts, challenge your friends and neighbors, and celebrate Black History Month in a fun, interactive setting.

    Whether you want to compete or just watch and learn, everyone is welcome!

  • Family Mardi Gras Craft

    Saturday, February 21, from 1-3 PM

    Get ready for the festivities by stopping by the museum for a fun Family Mardi Gras Craft!

    This is a drop-in event, so feel free to come by anytime between 1 PM and 3 PM. It’s the perfect way to get creative with the kids before heading over to enjoy the Mardi Gras on Main celebration later in the day.

  • Movie on the Lawn

    Close out Black History Month with a special evening under the stars at the Historic Colored School.

    We will be showing the 1998 classic Ruby Bridges, the inspiring true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who became the first Black student to attend an integrated school in New Orleans in 1960.

    Bring your lawn chairs or blanket!