Washington County Historical Commission, Texas

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Chappell Hill, TX
Washington County Historical Commission, Texas

This allows us to connect with the past and learn from our history.

The Washington County Historical Commission strives to preserve the historical heritage of Washington County, Texas for the benefit of present and future generations.

08/30/2026

TEXAS HISTORY MONTHLY: The Oldest County Fair in Texas!

Did you know that Washington County is home to a legendary Texas tradition? Founded right here, the Washington County Fair holds the proud title of the Oldest County Fair in Texas.

This year, the historic fair officially returns from September 11 to September 19, 2026. From livestock shows supporting our local youth to the thrilling rodeo, carnival, and live Texas music, this event is living history in action. Don't miss the beloved Annual Trail Ride and Fair Parade in Downtown Brenham!

Our deep agricultural roots have been bringing communities together for generations. If you want to take a step back in time and see how this incredible tradition evolved through rare photographs and artifacts, be sure to check out the special temporary exhibit, "Washington County Fair: A Texas Tradition," running from August 12 to September 19 at the Brenham Heritage Museum.

Head over to the official Washington County Fair page to see current schedules and project updates: https://www.facebook.com/washingtoncofair/

What is your favorite memory from the Washington County Fair? Share your stories and vintage photos below!

08/17/2026

TEXAS HISTORY MONTHLY: Texas and the American Revolution

Long before Washington-on-the-Brazos became the cradle of the Republic, our region was deeply intertwined with global history. This August, we are looking back at how Spain and Texas played a hidden but decisive role in the American Revolutionary War.Under the strategic leadership of Bernardo de Gálvez, Spanish resources and frontier efforts along the Gulf Coast directly shaped the birth of a new nation. During the war, Spanish Texas served as a vital supply line, sending thousands of head of Texas cattle to feed Gálvez’s forces fighting British troops. Local Tejano vaqueros drove these massive herds along treacherous trails from San Antonio and Goliad all the way to Louisiana. Furthermore, citizens across the Texas frontier contributed mandatory financial donations, known as donativos, to directly fund General George Washington's continental campaigns. This means early Texas ranchers and frontiersmen actively sustained the very forces fighting for American independence.This incredible history is currently being highlighted across the state as part of the Texas America250 initiative.

Did you know Texas played a role in 1776? Let us know in the comments!

07/06/2026

Yesterday at The Barnhill Center, in celebrating of America 250, the principles of liberty truly came alive!

Brad Nies (pictured in costume) gave a captivating performance portraying Thomas Jefferson, taking us right back to the summer of 1776 and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Dr. Ken Howell, Professor of History and Head of the History Department at Blinn College (also pictured) hosted a fantastic, engaging Q&A session that dove deeper into the history and enduring principles of liberty.

Thank you to Brad Nies, Dr. Howell, the Barnhill Center, and our wonderful community for making yesterday so special!

07/04/2026

Let’s finish off this celebratory weekend together!
The Washington County Historical Commission invites you to close out your holiday weekend with a free living-history event tomorrow at 3:00 PM. Come watch the story of our nation's birth through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson at The Barnhill Center.It is the perfect, relaxing way to end a historic weekend with family and friends. See you tomorrow!

07/03/2026

Tomorrow, our nation celebrates a historic milestone, America's 250th Birthday!

While we often think of the American Revolution as a story confined to the East Coast, the spirit of 1776 actually marched right into the heart of Texas. Here in Washington County, we are uniquely tied to the birth of the United States through the veteran patriots who came to settle our lands.

The Washington County Historical Commission has highlighted the incredible journeys of men like William Gates and James Walker, soldiers of the American Revolution who brought their families to Stephen F. Austin’s "Old Three Hundred" colony in the 1820s. But the story didn't end with them. When the Texas Revolution erupted in 1836, the sons of these original patriots picked up their fathers' mantle:

William Gates' son Samuel served as a colonial militia captain, while his brother Amos put his scouting skills to work as a military spy for William B. Travis.

James Walker's sons, John and James Jr., marched straight into the fight, standing on the front lines and charging the field under Sam Houston at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

These extraordinary families fought to build one republic in 1776, and stood on the front lines to win another right here in Texas in 1836. Tomorrow, as you fire up the grill, attend parades, enjoy Stars Over Washington County celebrations, watch fireworks, and gather with family, take a moment to look at our rolling hills and remember: the very foundation of Washington County was built by the hands, and defended by the blood, of America's original freedom fighters. Stand proud, Washington County! Happy America 250 Eve!

07/01/2026

Ready for the ultimate evening celebration of our nation's 250th birthday? The centerpiece event of the summer is happening right here in Brenham at the Washington County Expo!

Pack your lawnchairs, grab your blankets, and get ready for a spectacular night of music, community, and fireworks. Admission and parking are free.

Washington County Expo: 1305 E. Bluebell Road, Brenham
Saturday, July 4th - Gates open at 6:00pm
Evening Lineup:

6:00pm - Gates open with local food trucks, vendors, and patriotic presentations
8:00pm - Live concert featuring ESCAPE - A Tribute to Journey!
9:20pm - A massive, spectacular INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SHOW!

Let's fill the stands and celebrate 250 years of freedom together!

(event rules: no outside food, personal fireworks, sparklers, drones, or cooking devices are allowed inside the Expo gates. Brenham High School will also be open for fireworks viewing)

06/29/2026

Saturday, July 4th, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Washington-On-The-Brazos -- 1850's Independence Day Picnic -- At Barrington Living History Farm! How did early Texas pioneers celebrate the 4th of July? Find out by stepping back in time on the historic farmstead of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas!

Pack your own picnic basket for al-fresco dining under the oaks
Test your skills at historic yard games and races
Join an ongoing game of 'rounders' (19th century baseball)
Catch hourly readings of the Declaration of Independence accompanied by live musket salutes

Bring the kids to experience history coming alive right where Texas became Texas!

06/27/2026

As we celebrate America 250, the Washington County Historical Commission is continuing to shine a light on the extraordinary individuals who fought for American Independence and went on to settle right here in Washington County, Texas! Today, we honor James Walker (1756–1837).

Born in Orange County, Virginia, James answered the call to liberty during the American Revolution, serving in both the local Virginia militia and the elite Virginia Continental Line units. Fifty years after fighting for American freedom, James brought his pioneering spirit to the Texas frontier. In 1824, he and his wife Catherine officially joined Stephen F. Austin’s historic "Old Three Hundred" colonists.

On July 21, 1824, James received a land grant of one league along New Year's and Woodward's creeks. It was here that he built the historic James Walker Log House, which stands today as one of the oldest surviving Anglo-settler log structures in the entire state of Texas.

James Walker's commitment to liberty didn't stop in Virginia. During the 1836 Texas Revolution, an aging James suffered immense losses to his property and health during the famous Runaway Scrape. Meanwhile, his sons John and James Jr. picked up the mantle, fighting as soldiers in the Texas Revolution to secure the independence of the Republic.

James passed away in 1837. Though his original homestead was later moved for preservation, the enduring logs of his 1824 home serve as a physical testament to a man who lived through, fought for, and helped build two separate republics.Let's honor the patriots who built the bedrock of our nation and our county.

Happy America 250!

06/26/2026

Chappell Hill Independence Day Parade: Capture the excitement of a legendary small-town Texas tradition.

The Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts its iconic Independence Day Parade & Festivities.
Where: Downtown Chappell Hill, Texas
When: Saturday, July 4th at 10:00 AM (starts with the official cannon firing)
Watch for: The world-famous Marching Kazoo Band, food trucks and refreshing drinks, live music by Rob Moorman and Company, face painting, Paul Revere's Scavanger Hunt!

Clear your calendar for an amazing morning in the country celebrating family, faith, and freedom!

06/21/2026

As we celebrate America 250, we are looking back at the incredible patriots who fought for American Independence and went on to shape the very foundations of Washington County, Texas!

Born about 1759, William answered the call to freedom, serving as a soldier in North Carolina during the American Revolution. Decades later, he brought that same grit to the wilderness of Texas, joining Stephen F. Austin’s famous "Old Three Hundred" colonists.

William Gates' final resting place may be right here in our backyard, at the historic Gates Family Cemetery (located within the Gates Crossing development). Thanks to the dedicated work of the Coushatti Trace Chapter of the DAR and the SAR, his service is officially marked with a Patriot Grave Marker and an America 250 Marker, ensuring his service to both American liberty and Texas history is never forgotten.

Let’s remember the brave individuals who connected the birth of our nation to the birth of our county. Happy America 250!

Hundred

Address

PO Box 297
Chappell Hill, TX
77426

Website

https://www.co.washington.tx.us/page/washington.WCHC

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