The town was the social, economic, and political center of the early Stephen F. Austin colony.

[6] By 1828, San Felipe had been surveyed, with Calle Commercio laid out as the main commercial street.

Austin and his secretary, Samuel May Williams, both resided in log cabins on the square.

San Felipe acted as the capital for the provisional government of Texas until the Convention of 1836.

The town was burned in 1836 to prevent the Mexican army from capturing it, and rebuilt a few years later, but never regained its popularity.

[8] Local residents dedicated the original townsite as a commemorative site in 1928.

San Felipe is located in eastern Austin County at 29°47′40″N 96°6′17″W / 29.79444°N 96.10472°W / 29.79444; -96.10472, along the west bank of the Brazos River.

Stephen F. Austin State Park is located in the northern part of the town.

[9] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.