Washington on the Brazos

This past Thursday we took a little road trip to where it all began for the state of Texas. Just about 35 miles north of Waller is a Historic site called Washington on the Brazos. The place where Texas signed their Declaration of Independence from Mexico.

In March of 1836 Texans met in an unfinished building to declare independence. 2 weeks later they adopted a constitution for the new Republic of Texas. Sadly nearly twenty years later the town was completely abandoned.

Independence Hall

The historic site today has an education center, museum, visitor center and replica of the unfinished building where the documents were signed called independence hall. There is also a nice walking tour with sign boards giving information about the town of Washington and the people who settled there.

Also on property is the working farm of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the 
Republic of Texas. His home was typical of many homes of that era having a dog walk between the two halves of the home. Dr. Jones named his home Barrington after his native town in Massachusetts.

Smoke House

Kitchen

Anson Jones family included his wife Mary, daughter Sarah, and three sons, Samuel, Charles, and Cromwell, Mary's four half sisters and the slaves. There are costumed interpreters to answer any and all questions about life of that time and about how the farm operated.

Barn

Slave Houses

Oxen

slaves quarters

inside the slave's quarters

There is a cost to tour the farm of $5.00 per person and $5.00 for the museum, or $9.00 for both. No cost to enter the park or take the walking tour of the town. A nice way to spend an afternoon and very informational. I highly recommend the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site. Its just about 8 miles west of Navasota off highway 105 on FM 1155. You can download an app “Texas 1836” to your smart phone for a virtual tour of Washington in 1836. Visit www.wheretexasbecametexas.org or visit texasstateparks.org