The George Ranch Historical Park

More than 100 years of Texas History

School Field Trips

During the first 180 years of its existence, those who lived at the George Ranch participated in several milestones in Texas history, including settling the hardscrabble frontier, raising cattle and the discovery and cultivation of oil and natural gas. For the last 20 years, the George Ranch Historical Park has added to that list a tradition of educational excellence by providing innovative and memorable learning opportunities for students and teachers alike. Whether you bring your students each and every year--or if this is your first time at the Park--we're sure your journey into learning will be time well spent.

If you seek information not noted below or in the School Programs Catalog, please e-mail Tiffani Hawkins or call (281) 343-0218 x 220.

2009-2010 School Programs Catalog

2009-2010 Reservation Request Form


Title I Schools may be eligible for grant funds generously provided by Waste Corporation of Texas.


Title I Letter

Site-based, intensive learning

Students experience focused learning in an innovative, unique classroom-setting. Many programs offer take-away elements to enhance the learning process. Structured learning opportunities are offered Mondays through Thursdays.Mornings are set aside for these structured programs, with self-guided opportunities available after lunch for schools that want to extend their learning journey.


1830s Jones Stock Farm: Pioneers in Texas

Journey back to the days of Stephen F. Austin's settlement in southeast Texas. The Jones Stock Farm includes a log cabin and outbuildings representing the colonial era (when Texas was still part of Mexico). Demonstrations of pioneer skills bring 1830s Texas to life for students. For older students, topics can include the politics of the Texas revolution and social history of pioneers on the frontier.


1860s Ryon Prairie Home

Picture life in post-Civil War Texas with a visit to the home of Polly Ryon and her husband William during the rapid expansion of their ranching operations.


1890s Davis Victorian Mansion

Anchored by the beautiful Davis mansion, the 1890s area of the Park includes a wealth of learning opportunities including the sharecropper farm, railcar/cattle ranching exhibit, chuckwagon line camp, family cemetery and blacksmith shop. Additionally, the Davis house and outbuildings are available for touring. Students get an introduction to the late 19th century, a time of rapid change in technology and culture. Demonstrations and hands-on opportunities abound as the 1890s ranching and agricultural history come to life.


1930s George Cattle Complex

The George Ranch House is the centerpiece of the 1930s complex that includes the cattle working pens and barns, a working chute and dipping vat, the bachelor house (for single cowboys) and the platform tree house. Students learn about the evolution of farming and ranching in the early 20th century, the challenges of the Depression and the wide variety of people who contributed to life on a large working ranch in the 1930s.

TEKS/TAKS
Educational programming is designed to touch on TEKS and TAKS curriculum threads. Please check the catalog for specific TEKS applications. Educational staff at the Park continue to develop pre- and post-visit materials that may be useful to you. Contact us for more information.