To reach this community, alternately called Washington and Washington-on-the-Brazos, take TX 105 northeast of Brenham for 14 miles, then turn right on FM 912.
The town dates back to the days of a ferry landing on the Brazos River that operated at the site from 1822. Washington has become best known, however, as the birthplace of the republic of Texas. On a cold March day in 1836, founders gathered here and signed the Declaration of Independence, establishing Texas as a separate country.
From 1842 to 1845, Washington served as the capital of the republic, also gradually becoming a commerce center on the busy Brazos. Thus, when the seat of government was moved to Austin, the town hung on, kept alive by its position on the river. Eventually, though, in the 1850s, Washington was bypassed by the railroads, and the community dwindled to a tiny dot on the map.
One of the hidden treasures of the Texas parks system is the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park. “While most Texans are familiar with such historic shrines as the Alamo and the San Jacinto Monument, many don’t know about the place where our courageous forefathers gathered in an unfinished frame building to declare Texas an independent and sovereign nation even as Mexican troops attacked the Alamo,” said Tom Scaggs, park manager.
A $6 million facelift is now bringing attention to this formerly overlooked park; the park now includes a new state-of-the-art Visitors Center, interpretive trail, $1 million in roadwork, and additional improvements to come will elevate this park to a new status. The 10,000-square-foot Visitors Center traces the history of this site through interactive displays. Travelers can learn more about the 59 men who gathered here on a cold March day in 1836.
Near the center, the Star of the Republic Museum, built in the shape of a star, highlights the history of the Republic of Texas with exhibits and special collections. An exhibit titled “Childhood in Texas” features antique dolls, toys, and other items from the Eleanor Glenn Hanover Nance collection. Exhibits also cover all aspects of commerce during the 19th century, including displays on the general store, blacksmithing, steamboats, and carpentry.
The park also boasts an interpretive trail which winds from Independence Hall, a replica of the original building where the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence took place, to the historic Washington townsite. Work at the park will continue for the next year with the replication of Barrington Farm. The homestead of Anson Jones, the fourth and last president of the Republic of Texas, will include a two-story home that is being relocated from its present site behind the museum to the farm. An orchard, demonstration crop acreage, carriage shed, corn crib, kitchen, and slave quarters will also be found at the site when it opens next spring.
To reach Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park from Brenham, take TX 105 northeast of the city for 14 miles, then turn right on FM 912 to reach the park.
Attractions:
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park. Located on the banks of the Brazos, this quiet park is shaded by acres of walnut and pecan trees. This is a day-use park only, with picnic tables along the river, and admission is free. Its three main sections include the following points of interest:
Independence Hall. The original building where the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence took place did not survive the 19th century. In 1901 a group of citizens erected a monument at the site. The simple frame building reconstructed here holds long, mismatched tables and unadorned chairs.
Barrington. This was once the home of Anson Jones, the fourth and last president of the Republic of Texas. Open daily March through August; weekends only September through February.
Star of the Republic Museum. Built in the shape of the Lone Star State, this museum covers the republic period. Visitors can start with a 20-minute film narrated by Bill Moyers for an overview of the period. Upstairs, exhibits cover all aspects of commerce during the 19th century, including displays on the general store, blacksmithing, steamboats, and carpentry.