Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation

Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation Washington on the Brazos is a historic site that gives visitors unique insights into the formal decla

Located on 293 acres of lush park land, the picturesque Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site gives visitors unique insights into the lives and times of the 59 delegates who met on that very spot on March 2, 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. From 1836 to 1846, the Republic of Texas proudly but precariously existed as a separate and unique nation. Washington on t

he Brazos is, indeed, “Where Texas Became Texas.”

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite attractions open daily, as well as an incredible year-round schedule of events and programs. On the grounds of this TPWD-run state park is the Star of the Republic Museum (administered by Blinn College); Independence Hall; and Barrington Living History Farm. The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items. Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is the core of the Republic of Texas Complex, which also includes Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site—a wonderfully preserved 19th century stagecoach inn located nearby in Anderson, TX. Additionally, you’ll find the nearby Six Flags over Texas Monument in Navasota, TX. A visit to this significant historic site is a must for all Texans and newcomers alike!

08/31/2026

Fanthorp Inn’s Assistant Site Manager Chandler Wahrmund shares a story of early stage travel which comes from Alice Morse Earle’s Stagecoach And Tavern Days published in 1900.

Looking forward to cooler days ahead! Swipe through to see all the ways Texans used to check the weather before the use ...
08/29/2026

Looking forward to cooler days ahead! Swipe through to see all the ways Texans used to check the weather before the use of modern technology courtesy of the Star of the Republic Museum.

We're open this Labor Day, September 7 from 10 AM – 5 PM!The Republic of Texas ran on skilled hands, including carpenter...
08/28/2026

We're open this Labor Day, September 7 from 10 AM – 5 PM!

The Republic of Texas ran on skilled hands, including carpenters, cooks, tailors, and seamstresses. Some worked for wages, some for their own families, and some were enslaved. All of them left their mark on the young Republic.

Come see the tools and trades up close, or bring the kids to our family gallery, where they can try period chores through play.

Which 1830s trade do you think you'd have been best at?

In the Dallas area this weekend?? Stop by the Eisenhower Birthplace for their Ike's History Fest and say hi to the Star ...
08/27/2026

In the Dallas area this weekend?? Stop by the Eisenhower Birthplace for their Ike's History Fest and say hi to the Star of the Republic Museum! The Museum will have a hands-on activity about the Runaway Scrape.

The event takes place on September 4th and 5th from 10am-3:30pm and is $3 per person. Children 5 and under are free.

The Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst pavilion gives visitors a starting place for the Washington Townsite Experience. Guests ca...
08/26/2026

The Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst pavilion gives visitors a starting place for the Washington Townsite Experience. Guests can see how the original town of Washington was laid out before journeying over to the recreations.

Sam Houston saw him as a pirate; others saw him as a hero. In 1843, Commodore Edwin Moore was ordered to disband the fle...
08/25/2026

Sam Houston saw him as a pirate; others saw him as a hero.

In 1843, Commodore Edwin Moore was ordered to disband the fleet in Galveston. Instead, he sailed to blockade the Mexican coast in support of the Yucatan Republic. Houston called it mutiny.

Moore was arrested for piracy on his return and court-martialed at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where he was ultimately convicted of only minor charges.

This week's Object of the Week from the Star of the Republic Museum ties directly to that story: Moore's handwritten orders to the sloop of war Austin, dated August 16, 1842.

October Stagecoach Dates now open! Join us on Friday, Oct 9 from 10am to 4pm for a stagecoach day at the Fanthorp Inn wi...
08/24/2026

October Stagecoach Dates now open!

Join us on Friday, Oct 9 from 10am to 4pm for a stagecoach day at the Fanthorp Inn with special activities and tours of the inn along with booths from several of our friends from other historical sites.

And on Saturday, Oct 31 from 10am to 4pm Fanthorp will commemorate the 159th anniversary of Henry and Rachel Fanthorps’ passing. Explore the unique and peculiar ways Victorian families mourned the loss of a loved one.

Stagecoach rides will be offered from 11am to 3pm on both of these days. Tickets are $10 for all those 6 and up, 5 and under ride free. All tickets MUST be purchased in advance.

Oct 9 tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/fanthorp-inn-stagecoach-rides-oct-9-tickets-289728

Oct 31 tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/fanthorp-funeral-tour-and-stagecoach-day-o-tickets-289784

After the 9th Cavalry and 41st Infantry Buffalo Soldier regiments were formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, they were sent ...
08/22/2026

After the 9th Cavalry and 41st Infantry Buffalo Soldier regiments were formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, they were sent to Texas to protect the frontier. They crossed the Gulf of Mexico to Indianola and then marched more than 150 miles inland to their new posts. These long and difficult journeys marked only the beginning of the Buffalo Soldiers’ service on the frontier.

From 1866 to the early 1890s, Buffalo Soldiers served at posts across Texas, the Southwest, and the Great Plains. These regiments were among the first to allow African American men to serve in the U.S. Army during peacetime.

They patrolled the frontier, built roads, escorted mail, and carried out a wide range of civil and military duties. As the United States expanded westward, many were also engaged in the Indian Wars.

The Buffalo Soldiers left an enduring legacy across Texas—and now, you can follow their journey.

Texas Parks and Wildlife, in partnership with the Texas Historical Commission, have launched a Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail website. This interactive experience invites you to explore historic sites, stories, and landscapes that deepen your understanding of Black military history in Texas.

Explore the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail: https://texastimetravel.com/buffalo-soldiers-heritage-trail/

All in a hard days work at Barrington Living History Farm 👨‍🌾
08/21/2026

All in a hard days work at Barrington Living History Farm 👨‍🌾

08/21/2026

What if Texas had become French instead of Spanish? 🇫🇷

La Salle’s odyssey to the Texas coast was short-lived, but it changed Texas history. When Spain learned of the French colony, it launched 11 expeditions to find it, expanding its presence across Texas in the process.

More than 300 years later, archeologists discovered La Belle beneath Matagorda Bay. The shipwreck excavation uncovered nearly 2 million artifacts and helped spark the creation of the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

Address

23400 Park Road 12
Washington, TX
77880

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(936) 878-2214

Website

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