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The History Shop

713 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 229-9855
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Ranked #34 of 168 attractions in San Antonio
Type: History Museums
4 visitor photos
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18 reviews from our community

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    4
    2
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Date Rating
Gladstone, Missouri, United States
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

The diorama of the Alamo is interesting. The shop itself is really small, but has a lot of historical documents, books and etc inside.

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See 5 more reviews by Eileen M for San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

Great little shop. Wonderful diorama of the Alamo Battle ground courtesy of Phil Collins. The shop was on the battleground and has a glass covered excavation showing structure and artifacts. Many antique documents, books and firearms. This is not just about the Alamo. Tons of Texas and Southwest history including Mexico. Don't miss this.

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See 14 more reviews by Gatorday1 for San Antonio
Longview, Texas
Top Contributor
118 reviews 118 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 March 2013

Didn't know what to expect but was intrigued by the archeological dig under the floor. Also the diorama of the Alamo compound is very detailed.Most folks have no idea of the size of the 1936 Alamo compound. I will come back when I have more time to spend perusing the maps and books here.

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See 12 more reviews by tomthbomb for San Antonio
Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 February 2013

I have been interested in the Alamo story since seeing Fess Parker swinging old Betsy to the end, and have read a number of history books - see A Time to Stand - a bit dated, but still a pretty good narrative. The diorama in the shop is great to see and the narrative worth paying attention to. As the... More

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See 2 more reviews by tacitusone for San Antonio
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 February 2013

If you love history, stop in at the History Shop! The diorama, with accompanying narration by Phil Collins, is very interesting and well done. Even though I had already visited the Alamo, the diorama helped me truly understand what occurred during that landmark battle. The underground excavation is pretty cool, as are the maps and guns for sale. The docent... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Dallas, Texas
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 January 2013 via mobile

This is a must see. Go before you visit the Alamo to see the diorama of what the entire Alamo site looked like. Phil Collins, the rock star is part owner of the shop. He has the largest private collection of Alamo memorabilia and works with the Alamo and local historians. Check out the excavations that have been done under... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by Windsweptphot for San Antonio
Houston, Texas
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2013

The diorama (which is narrated by Phil Collins) gives you a great understanding of the events that took place at The Alamo. Also, they sell a wide variety of antique maps and weapons from all over the world. The History Shop should definitely be on your list of places to visit before The Alamo.

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Sunnyvale, California
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
37 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 November 2012

Maps from all periods, from all US states, Europe, Japan and China. Few reproductions, all the genuine article (correspondingly expensive). A scale model of the Alamo as it was. Underground excavations. Don't miss this if you have a historic bone in your body.

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See 10 more reviews by Yguy94086 for San Antonio
Amarillo, Texas
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2012

This is a cool place that has a huge diarama that puts everything into perspective. It is wise to visit here first to see how everything was situated, then on to the Alamo and see it full scale.

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See 21 more reviews by M F for San Antonio
Berea, Kentucky
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 October 2012 via mobile

Just completed a walk and a talk with historian Jim Guimarin, Owner of The History Shop. His 12 minute Phil Collins narration of the battle of the Alamo with a 3D model is worth the price od admission. Also, check out his wide variety of antique and historical maps.

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