The Texas Highway Patrol does plenty more than write tickets. The troopers job includes all sorts of law enforcement activities, chasing down criminals, fighting the war on drugs, stopping and arresting drunk drivers, and protecting the citizens of Texas. The Texas Highway Patrol Museum not only covers the history of the troopers, but also honors those who have given their lives performing their duties.
The museum is located centrally in San Antonio, in the middle of what is considered the tourism district. Some of the items on display at the museum include vintage Texas Highway Patrol uniforms, photographs of Bonnie and Clyde, and officer memorabilia. The museum has 2,000 square feet of exhibit space.
The biggest highlight of the museum is the Hall of Honor, which pays tribute to the 74 troopers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The Hall features profiles and portraits of the troopers, as well as the circumstances that lead to their demise.
The museum also features programs established for Texas students to warn of the hazards of drunk driving. "Cruisin to Coffins," was sponsored by the Highway Patrol and the local Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter. Students experience sobriety tests administered by troopers, all while wearing special glasses and materials that fool the senses into acting the same as if one was drunk. Victims of drunk driving also travel to the schools to talk to students and relate their stories, and drivers are taught to use defensive driving techniques to avoid intoxicated drivers. The program also highlights the alternatives to drinking and driving. The program was given the 1999 Allstate Insurance Safety Leadership Award for Texas.
Take a look at the history of law enforcement, and see how Highway Patrol has evolved. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, so make sure to get their early and check out all the exhibits, especially those listed above.
