Experience Texas' struggle for independence and its years as a sovereign republic (1836-1845). The region covers 28 southeast Texas counties as it reaches from Liberty (east of Houston) along the Gulf Coast Galveston to Refugio to San Antonio into the west and to Washington and Bastrop counties in the north. We encourage travelers to find the spirit of Texas through the story—our fight—for independence. The larger-than-life images of explorers, heroes, and settlers such as Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett resonate throughout the state, U.S. and beyond as visitors can relive this dynamic history. Festivals, bird sanctuaries, shopping in historic downtowns, metropolitan areas, countrysides blanketed with wildflowers & trees, ranging from lordly pines to mesquite, beaches, lakes, rivers and historic landmarks can all be enjoyed when you drive across the Independence Trail Region.