Lipantitlan State Historic Site

Lipantitlan State Historic Site is a preserved area in Nueces County spanning 5 acres near Orange Grove. The property contains historical markers and structures that document the colonial period of Texas and the territorial transitions of the era.

Mexican forces built a fortified post here in 1831 as part of their colonial expansion. The site changed hands to Texan control in 1835 without armed conflict, becoming a turning point in the region's power dynamics.

The name comes from the Lipan Apache people who occupied this region during early settlement times. Visitors can sense how these groups shaped the land and its use over generations.

The site is easily accessible near Orange Grove and open to visitors throughout the week with no entry fee. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk the grounds, and note that the area can be windy and exposed.

The fort transferred to Texan hands peacefully without any shots fired, making it a rare bloodless moment in the region's struggle for independence. This quiet surrender contrasts sharply with the violence that marked other transitions of power during this era.

Location: Texas

Inception: 1949

Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lipantitlan

GPS coordinates: 27.96470,-97.81750

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04