Since moving to Texas I have been exploring many local historical sites, being a history nerd there is nothing I like more than a good museum and Washington-on-the-Brazos is one that should be on your list if you plan on passing through Central Texas. The State Historic Park was the site of the Convention of 1836 and the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Texas Revolution started on October, 2nd 1835 with the Battle of Gonzales and on March 2nd, 1836 the delegates met in Washingon and declared their independence from Mexico and drafted the constitution of the Republic of Texas.
The 293-acre park covers much of what was one the bustling town of Washington-on-the-Brazos and is home to the Star of the Republic Museum, a replica of Independence Hall, and the living history museum the Barrington Plantation. Barrington was the home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, he named the home after his birthplace of Barrington Massachusetts and served as the "White House of Texas" from 1844-1846.
The town of Washington would return to normal after the Texas victory at San Jacinto, while many lobbied for the town to become the capital of the new republic the city of Waterloo, which would be renamed Austin, would be chosen. The capital would be moved temporarily back to Washington when Mexico attempted to invade Texas in 1842. But once the railroad came to nearby Navasota the town began to decline, the Civil War would see the end of Washington as a city. In 1916 the townsite would become Washington State Park.
The park is the perfect day trip destination and has playgrounds and picnic areas down on the banks of the Brazos River if you want to pack a lunch. Besides just touring the museum and gift shop there are miles of easy to walk trails if you want to take a short hike and explore the original townsite of Washington. Access to the park is free, however, there is an $8 admission fee for adults, children are $5, and Seniors are $7. They also have discounted family admission fees and admission is free for active-duty military and their family. Admission also includes tours of the Barrington Plantation and Independence Hall, or a self-guided audio tour.
For more info or to plan your own trip CLICK HERE.
For my road trip, I am driving the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed which is perfect for miles and miles of Texas back roads. You can read my full review of the Bentayga HERE.
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