Hidden in plain sight: 90 years of history at the State Fair of Texas

One of the more well-known reasons fairgoers stop by is a budgetary one: bottles of water cost $1, with snacks and sodas also priced lower than some other points in the fair. But inside the walls of the building lies a much richer story. The historic building was originally named the Hospitality House, built by Continental Oil Company, known as Conoco, in 1936 for the Texas Centennial. They mapped trips out for people to use gas, explained Sarah Gunderson, regent of the Jane Douglas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. So afterwards, they gave the house to our chapter. Each year, throughout the State Fair of Texas, the landmark building is open to the public, and visitors can learn about history, genealogy, and patriotism. One of the first exhibits I saw was petticoats and pistols, Gunderson said. So, it, you know, it is a fascinating place to go. Celebrating the women of the Revolutionary War for America 250 For the 2026 State Fair of Texas, the DAR house has put together a new exhibit that tells the often overlooked stories of service for women and girls in the American Revolution. Some of them were spies, some were camp followers, some were writers, Gunderson explained, so we highlight a number of, things like that: toys that children played with, those sorts of things, things that tend to be a little more invisible in history. The exhibit highlights women of the Revolutionary War and explores everyday life during the period, with displays about clothing, gender roles, childhood and the experiences of different communities. Connecting to personal history The Continental DAR House also offers visitors an opportunity to explore their own family histories and learn about the genealogical research involved in tracing their ancestry. Gunderson said the organization can help women interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution understand the documentation needed to establish a connection to someone who supported the American Revolution. If you are a woman, and you can prove your lineage back to someone who rendered material aid during the revolution, you can be a member of DAR, Gunderson explained. The house is also home to the Elizabeth Wright Library, which contains more than 2,000 genealogical reference books and periodicals. The collection is available to members and guests by appointment Preserving a piece of Texas history Beyond the exhibits, the Jane Douglas Chapter is responsible for maintaining the historic building, which was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2016. Members spend their summers making crafts to sell during the State Fair, with proceeds from the chapter s sales supporting the preservation of the house. We have a boutique and all the proceeds from all of our various areas that you can spend money go toward the preservation of this house, Gunderson said. Originally intended as a temporary hospitality house for the 1936 Texas Centennial, the building instead found a permanent home with the Jane Douglas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Nearly 90 years later, the chapter continues working to preserve it. Visitors can find the Continental DAR House near Marine Corps Square, next to the dog show. Admission to the house is free, and its published visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the State Fair of Texas. Guests can also try their hand at making history for themselves, with an opportunity to add their names to a commemorative Declaration of Independence. It s a small way to take part in the nation s 250th anniversary celebration, inside a building that has been preserving history at the State Fair of Texas for 90 years. State Fair of Texas 2026 at a glance Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 18 Where: Fair Park in Dallas Hours: Sun.-Thu. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets: Adults $15-$25; children ages 3-12 $10. Discounts can drop admission as low as $7. Parking: $25 per space, most convenient lot accessed by entering Gate 2, at 925 S. Haskell, Dallas, Texas 75223 Directions: The State Fair provides directions from several different starting locations. The transit agency: Take the Green Line to Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station. Ride-share/Taxi: The recommended pickup and drop-off location is 4206 Gurley Ave. Map: View the official 2026 State Fair map.