Stephen F. Austin State Park, a 663.3-acre park on the Brazos River at San Felipe, opened in 1940 on land central to early Anglo-American settlement in Texas. San Felipe became the seat of government for the Anglo-American colonies in 1823, and Stephen F. Austin brought the first 297 families there under a contract with the Mexican government. During the Texas Revolution, the town was burned on March 2, 1836, to keep it from the advancing Mexican Army. Twelve acres were set aside as the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, while the surrounding park preserves East Texas riparian habitat and offers recreation alongside its historical importance.