Milam County is rich with history.
Here, we make sure it’s never forgotten.
Nestled in the heart of Cameron, Texas, the Milam County Historical Museum is where our county’s deep roots and diverse stories come to life.
Through immersive exhibits, curated artifacts, and community-driven events, we celebrate the people, places, and moments that shaped Milam County — and we invite you to be part of what's next.
We’re more than a building of artifacts.
We're a gathering place, a classroom, a storyteller.
Since its founding, the museum has worked to preserve the history of every corner and community in Milam County — from the early Spanish Missions and Texas Revolution through the 20th century and beyond. Our exhibits represent all who’ve called this land home.
Each exhibit tells a different chapter of our story.
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Prehistoric Times in Texas
Before Texas had borders, dinosaurs roamed where we now stand. Explore fossils, dino bones, and ancient artifacts that bring Milam County’s earliest chapters to life — long before people put it on the map.
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The Creation of Milam County
From Republic roots to shifting county lines, discover how Milam County became one of Texas’s original 23 and how its borders, towns, and identity evolved over time.
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Honoring Those Who've Served
Local service. Global impact. Our war and military exhibits preserve the powerful stories of Milam County veterans who served in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and more.
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Stories You Didn’t Learn in School
Orphan Trains. Ghost towns. Small events with lasting echoes. Step into the overlooked corners of Milam County history and uncover the strange, surprising, and deeply human stories that shaped our community.
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The Traditions That Shape Us
From high school football photos to church programs, parades, family heirlooms, and storefront snapshots … We celebrate the everyday stories that shape Milam County’s identity and connect generations.
Step Into the Past
Our museum isn’t just inside the walls — it’s an immersive journey through Milam County’s history. Just steps from our main building, you’ll find three unique historic treasures waiting to be explored:
The Milam County Historical Jail
Built in 1895, this striking two-story stone jail once housed the county’s most notorious characters. Walk through original cell blocks, see the hanging tower, and get a firsthand look at life behind bars from the late 1800s through the 1970s.
The Old Cabin
Experience pioneer life in our restored 19th-century log cabin. From hand-hewn beams to period furnishings, every detail tells the story of early settlers who built Milam County from the ground up.
The Transportation Building
Step inside to see antique automobiles firsthand, including a vintage firetruck and 1959 McLane’s wholesale delivery truck. This collection is a snapshot of the transportation that connected our community to the wider world.
Featured Exhibit
Real Voices from the Front Lines
Step into the stories of Milam County’s brave WWII veterans. These oral histories — recorded in their own words — offer firsthand accounts of courage, loss, and life during wartime. Featured veterans in our collection include R.L. Batte, James Wallace Davis, Anthony Digirolam, Hugo Fuchs, Floyd Hoffman, James Malone, Elaine Perrin, Bob Persky, Omer F. Poorman, Archie Prokisch, Frank Tomascik, Charlie Tomek, Fred Weihrich, Dickie Woodum, R.J. Woodum, Harrison Wright, Ben Zajicek , Ellis Burns, L D Burns, John Burns
Stop on by to explore the full collection!
Upcoming Events
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Czech and German Heritage Month
September
We're celebrating the legacy of Bohemian, Moravian, and Austrian Silesian immigrants who first settled in Texas during the 1840s. Like many settlers of the time, they left behind famine, disease, poverty, and unemployment in their homeland in search of better opportunities. Texas, with its affordable farmland, offered the promise of a new life.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
September – October
Stop by to celebrate the stories, strength, and culture of Milam County’s Hispanic community! Throughout the month, you can see new exhibit features, browse family photo collections, and explore the traditions that have shaped our shared history. We’d also love to speak with anyone who has never-before-told stories or artifacts to loan or donate!
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Indigenous People's Day
October
Modern tribes with ties to Milam County include the Tonkawa Tribe of Indians, Apache Tribe, Comanche Nation, Wichita and Waco Tribes.
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Ben Milam's Birthday
October 20
Ben Milam was a significant figure in the Texas Revolution, best known for his leadership and heroism during the fight for Texas independence from Mexico.
He is the namesake for Milam County and the Ben Milam Elementary school in Cameron, Texas.
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Texas Archeology Month
October
Dig into the ancient past — without leaving Milam County. From dino bones to fossil finds, we’re highlighting Milam County’s earliest stories this October. Bring the kids for a peek at prehistoric creatures, try your hand at mock digs, or get up close with real artifacts uncovered right here in Central Texas. You’ll never look at local dirt the same way again.
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Veterans Day
November 11
Veterans Day is celebrated to honor and thank those who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the courage and dedication of veterans' service to our country.
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Black History Month
February
Celebrating Black History is both a tribute to the resilience and contributions of Black Texans and a recognition of the state’s complex history. From Juneteenth’s origins to the influence of Black artists, politicians, and community leaders, Milam County honors Black heritage.
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Texas Independence Day
March 2
On March 2, 1836, delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, officially breaking away from Mexican rule marking the beginning of the Republic of Texas.
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San Jacinto Day
April 21
We commemorate the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, where Texan forces secured their independence from Mexico in just 18 minutes.
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Yoe Day
May
The second Thursday of May schools in Cameron honor Charles H. and Caroline Yoe, who donated land and funds to build the C.H. Yoe High School. The day involves students, faculty, and community members participating in a ceremony at the Yoes' gravesite
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Memorial Day
May
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year, to honor the military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a solemn day of reflection, dedicated to those who gave their lives in service to the country, especially during military conflicts.
A View Through History
Explore Milam County’s past through personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections from our Museum Director.
Visitor Information
Planning a Visit?
We’re open to the public Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM.
Please call 254-697-8963 to schedule a private tour of the museum or the 1895 jail.
Museum admission is FREE, but we always welcome donations.
We are located in Downtown Cameron at 112 W. 1st Street — near the corner of Houston Ave and 1st Street. Get directions via Google Maps >
Heard Around the Museum
Every community has a story. Let’s keep ours alive.
Whether you're new to Milam County or your family’s been here for generations, there’s a place for you in our story. Join us in honoring the past — and shaping what’s next.
