Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation

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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 the 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!

Witching you an awesome Halloween!
10/31/2026

Witching you an awesome Halloween!

There are still some slots open for our Halloween Stagecoach Ride tomorrow! Purchase through our website at the link in ...
10/30/2026

There are still some slots open for our Halloween Stagecoach Ride tomorrow! Purchase through our website at the link in our bio.

Fanthorp's funeral tours will culminate with a special program and stagecoach ride on Oct 31, the actual day that Henry Fanthorp passed away. Many period-dressed mourners will gather for a special service and procession at 1:00pm. There will also be special tours, gravestone carving demonstrations, and the return of Henry Fanthorp's Templar sword.

A BIG thank you to Blue Bonnet Electric, Texas A&M, Jim Ellison for their continued help in our efforts to preserve and ...
10/29/2026

A BIG thank you to Blue Bonnet Electric, Texas A&M, Jim Ellison for their continued help in our efforts to preserve and propagate the historic “La Bahia” Pecan tree! We will have seedlings available for purchase soon - stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone that donated to Brazos Valley Gives last week! We raised over $1,500 for Washington-on-the-Brazos....
10/27/2026

Thank you to everyone that donated to Brazos Valley Gives last week! We raised over $1,500 for Washington-on-the-Brazos. These funds will be used towards improvements that will create welcoming spaces for guests to rest, learn, gather, and enjoy the natural beauty of the picnic area.

We regret to inform you…In 19th-century Texas, news of a death traveled fast, and so did the funeral. Notices like these...
10/26/2026

We regret to inform you…

In 19th-century Texas, news of a death traveled fast, and so did the funeral. Notices like these from the Star of the Republic Museum collection were often written and hand-delivered the same day. Even the black border sent a message.
Swipe to slide 4: Can you spot the last-minute change?

Want to see 19th-century mourning customs up close? Visit Fanthorp Inn in Anderson this weekend from 10am to 4pm.

Funeral tours start today and continue to next weekend at Fanthorp Inn! The site will transform in honor of the annivers...
10/23/2026

Funeral tours start today and continue to next weekend at Fanthorp Inn!

The site will transform in honor of the anniversary Henry and Rachel Fanthorp's passing in 1867. Black curtains, draped mirrors, stopped clocks and much more await you. This will culminate with a special funeral program on Oct 31 where staff and volunteers will gather to host a service for the Fanthorps.

Get your tickets for a special Halloween stagecoach ride at the link in our bio.

Join us on Saturday from 10am to 4pm for Labor of Thine Hands: Trades in Early Texas! Ponder for a moment all the skills...
10/22/2026

Join us on Saturday from 10am to 4pm for Labor of Thine Hands: Trades in Early Texas!

Ponder for a moment all the skills and trades practiced by others that you rely upon each day. Could you survive without them? Just as you require the skills of others, so did early Texans. Blacksmiths repaired their plows and wagons; potters turned vessels for storing their water and food; and carpenters built their homes and filled them with furniture. While often viewed as self-sufficient, urban and rural communities were linked together by the goods and services each offered. As you explore the Washington Townsite, we encourage you to visit with the various tradesmen and women to discover more about the work they are doing and how their skills were needed by the community.

Grab your tickets today for a special Halloween stagecoach ride around historic Anderson next Saturday, October 31st! Me...
10/21/2026

Grab your tickets today for a special Halloween stagecoach ride around historic Anderson next Saturday, October 31st!

Meta is now limiting links so while we cannot link the page directly you can find more info at at the link in our bio or on our website.

Brazos Valley Gives is happening TODAY until 11pm! Help us tell the story of where Texas became Texas by donating to the...
10/20/2026

Brazos Valley Gives is happening TODAY until 11pm!

Help us tell the story of where Texas became Texas by donating to the Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation!

This year we are focusing on enhancing visitor comfort and improving the landscape around the picnic area. These improvements will create welcoming spaces for guests to rest, learn, gather, and enjoy the natural beauty of the picnic area. New seating and shaded areas will benefit daily visitors, educational groups, volunteers, and participants attending special events and commemorative programs.

Brazos Valley Gives brings the region together as one community raising money and awareness for nonprofits in the Brazos Valley.

Meta is now limiting links so while we cannot link the donate page directly you can find more info at or at the link in our bio.

Help us enhance our visitor experience as part of Brazos Valley Gives! Brazos Valley Gives brings the region together as...
10/19/2026

Help us enhance our visitor experience as part of Brazos Valley Gives!

Brazos Valley Gives brings the region together as one community raising money and awareness for nonprofits in the Brazos Valley. Early giving is now open with the main giving day taking place tomorrow, October 20th.

Donations received this year will help us buy new crushed granite for trail restoration and maintenance around the Historic Site.

Meta is now limiting links so while we cannot link the donate page directly you can find more info at or at the link in our bio.

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

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