Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site

08/05/2026

Episode 2 of our podcast, Brazoria County Chronicles: The Scandalous Rise and Fall of Monroe Edwards, will be coming out this month! In this episode, we discuss Edwards' involvement in the illegal smuggling of Africans into Brazoria County. You will hear how Edwards manipulated the already corrupt system of importing enslaved people into North America and became one of the wealthiest men in Texas. He also launched a career as a forger and swindler, adding to his wealth and property holdings.

Check back here for the official release of Episode 2 to learn more!

08/04/2026

Check out our newest article in the August edition of Brazos Monthly!
https://thefacts.com/magazines/brazos_monthly/page-t30/page_f08a2452-eaeb-5223-949c-f002853dc357.html

08/01/2026

Join us at the Brazoria County Historical Museum in Angleton for the BC Summer Museum passport closing event, now until noon!

07/31/2026

We will see y'all tomorrow!!

DOWNLOAD PASSPORT This will be the third year of the Brazoria County Summer Museum Passport! This program was started to bring together local history-focused museums and sites and encourage our community to learn more about the area’s history in a fun way. This year, we are excited to have 14 part...

07/28/2026

This Saturday, August 1st is the BC Summer Museum Passport Closing Event at the Brazoria County Historical Museum from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Grab any last stamps you need this week, and join us at the closing for crafts, games, and demonstration tables, youth and adult trivia games, including information learned at each site, and raffle prize drawings!

See y'all there!

August 1, 2026
Brazoria County Historical Museum
100 E. Cedar Street
Angleton, TX 77515
10am-12pm

https://bcsummerpassport.org/closing-event/

07/24/2026

Tomorrow, July 25th from 6pm to 8pm, join us for Reflections on Rachel Patton. A discussion and performance exploring the life of Rachel Patton, Mistress of the plantation with guest speaker and living historian, Cheryl McBeth. Program is included with the cost of admission.

Rachel Patton, an enslaved woman of African descent, is somewhat of a mystery to us. While enslaved, she acted as Columbus Patton's wife and maintained the role of Mistress of the plantation. This allowed numerous privileges that would have typically been reserved for white planter's wives of the Antebellum era. Rachel was known to have made large purchases on Columbus's accounts, mostly supplies to make fine dresses. She was noted to be one of the best dressed women in town. Despite the privileges that Rachel's position afforded her, her life was not without conflict. Her relationship with Columbus still existed in a society that deemed her as a piece of property. When Columbus is sent away to an asylum by his family, Rachel is placed to work in the fields.

Pictured is a dress fashionable in the 1830s, and may have been similar to a dress Rachel would have worn.
Walking Ensemble c. 1835
Image courtesy of The Met Collection

07/22/2026

Looking for the perfect Texas day trip or weekend wander? ☀️
West Columbia proves that where strong roots run deep, smart growth follows! 🌳
We’ve got the perfect blend of incredible Republic of Texas history, fantastic local shopping, and dining that makes you feel right at home.

Here is your ultimate cheat-sheet for a day in West Columbia:

📜 STEP BACK IN TIME
The First Capitol Replica Site: Stand right where the very first Congress of the Republic of Texas met back in 1836.
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site: Take a walk under giant, moss-draped live oaks and explore decades of deep regional history.
The Historic Capitol Theater: Keep your eyes on the downtown strip—exciting things are happening as this local landmark transforms into Liberty Suites At The Capitol Theater.

🛍️ SHOP LOCAL
Our downtown retail shops and local boutiques are packed with unique finds, custom styles, and Texas charm. Whether you are looking for home decor, a great outfit, or the perfect gift, our local store owners are ready to welcome you with that classic small-town hospitality.

🍽️ TASTE THE LOCAL FLAVOR
From home cooking at Elmo’s Grill, to TexMex at Margarita Jones or a coffee pick me up Kate's on 17th, you definitely won’t leave hungry!

Grab your friends, hit the road, and come see why West Columbia is the perfect place to explore. What’s your absolute favorite spot in town? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

07/22/2026

On July 25th from 6pm to 8pm join us for Reflections on Rachel Patton, a discussion and performance exploring the life of Rachel Patton, Mistress of the plantation with guest speaker and living historian, Cheryl McBeth. Check out the article below to learn more about Ms. Rachel and her role at Patton Plantation!

We do not know what Rachel Patton looked like. What we know about Rachel, the mistress of Patton Plantation, comes from a collection of receipts, the memories of a 90-year-old woman, and testimonies of a litigation to prove the insanity of her enslaver. From these scattered sources, we can speculate...

07/18/2026

On July 25th from 6pm to 8pm join us for a discussion and performance exploring the life of Rachel Patton, Mistress of the plantation, with guest speaker and living historian, Cheryl McBeth.

Rachel Patton lived on Patton Plantation as an enslaved woman of African descent, yet she maintained the position of Columbus Patton's wife and the Mistress of the plantation. Her role in the Patton household included giving orders to the enslaved people, hosting, selecting the menu and more. Rachel had purchasing power and her own horse and buggy. She would often go into town to purchase fine goods on Columbus's accounts and was noted to be one of the best dressed women in town. After Columbus was sent away to an insane asylum by his family, Rachel was stripped of her position and sent to work in the fields. Her life leaves us with many questions, so join us as we explore the complexities and prevailing spirit of Rachel Patton.

Pictured is a record of Rachel's store purchases.

07/17/2026

We had a wonderful time this summer with Smitty's General and Pottery! Campers each made their a self portrait, inspired by Ima Hogg's own self portrait!