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Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Star of the Republic Museum

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Star of the Republic Museum

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Located at the site where 59 delegates gathered on March 2, 1836 to declare Texas’ independence.

Located at the site where 59 delegates gathered on March 2, 1836 to declare Texas’ independence from Mexico, the Star of the Republic Museum depicts the colorful saga of the Texas Republic.

11/03/2026

Only 250 copies of this deluxe edition of The Life of Stephen F. Austin existed. This is #72 and it once belonged to a member of Stephen F. Austin’s own family.

In 1925, UT professor Eugene C. Barker published The Life of Stephen F. Austin, the first major scholarly biography of the “Father of Texas.” It stood as the definitive account of Austin’s life for more than 70 years, and historians still turn to it today.
Our copy is special twice over: it carries Barker’s signature, and it was owned by a descendant of Austin’s sister, Emily Austin Perry.

Have you read Barker’s biography, or another book about Austin? Tell us your favorite Texas history read below!

10/30/2026

We like to think of everyone who might have sat under that tree over it's lifetime!

A BIG thank you to Blue Bonnet Electric, Texas A&M, Jim Ellison, and the Washington On The Brazos Foundation for their continued help in our efforts to preserve and propagate the historic “La Bahia” Pecan tree.

⚡️

10/29/2026

At the Star of the Republic Museum, Texas hospitality starts the moment you walk through the door.

Visiting the Star of the Republic Museum should be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Stop by the Welcome Desk to borrow Sensory Support Bags, wheelchairs, or pick up a sensory map. Our staff is always glad to help you make the most of your time here.

10/27/2026

Don’t get twisted up!

This week’s Object of the Week is a hand-carved rope top.

To make rope, rope makers twisted strands of horsehair or other strong fiber tightly, running one strand through each groove of this tool. As the strands wound together, the rope maker slid the top along to keep the twist even, creating a tough rope suitable for any heavy task.

On the Texas frontier, you didn’t buy rope. It was something you made.

Would you have had the patience to make your own rope?

10/24/2026

Cotton or nitrile? Museum staff choose gloves based on the object in their hands.

White cotton gloves protect leather, metal, and textiles from the oils and salts on our skin, which can stain or even corrode objects over time. Slick, glazed pottery is a different story. Cotton can slip, and a dropped sherd could break. Nitrile gloves give a better grip and keep dirt and residue off archaeological finds like these 19th-century ceramic fragments.

The right glove keeps everyone safe: the object and the staff member.

10/22/2026

We regret to inform you…

In 19th-century Texas, news of a death traveled fast, and so did the funeral. Notices like these from our 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 our sister site for Memento Mori: Fanthorp Funeral Tours, Fri.–Sun., Oct. 23–25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson. Free!

10/20/2026

Why are Peru, Mexico, and the Texas coast all on one page? Follow the money.

This week’s Object of the Week comes from a 1609 edition of Abraham Ortelius’s famous atlas. The left map’s title, Peruviae Auriferae Regionis Typus, promises “the gold-bearing region of Peru.” Europeans dreamed of gold, but silver from mines like Potosí and Zacatecas actually funded the Spanish Empire.

At top right is La Florida, which for the Spanish meant the entire northern Gulf Coast, Texas included. Spain hoped this coast would be the next source of mineral riches. When that didn’t pan out, Texas became something else: a buffer zone to protect the silver mines of Mexico from rival empires.

Zoom in. How many ships can you spot? Drop your count below

10/18/2026

We love working with our sister sites to help share, preserve, and protect Texas history!

10/17/2026

What do a cat's paw prints, a Spanish coin, and British ceramics have in common?

They were all found during the 2024 archeological dig at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and each one has a story to tell. (Yes, that's a real paw print in the photo!)

Celebrate Texas Archeology Month with us and dig into the stories of the past! Families can explore hands-on activities that show how archeologists uncover history and see artifacts uncovered at the Townsite!

Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., included with regular admission
What do you think the cat was up to when it left that paw print?

10/14/2026

Looking to learn more about living history in Texas? Join us in January for the Texas Living History Association Conference!

🎉 Registration opens TOMORROW!

The countdown is almost over! Registration for the 2027 Texas Living History Association Conference opens October 15!

Join us at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site for Plows, Planes, and Parchment: Building Texas, where living history enthusiasts, museum professionals, educators, and interpreters will come together to share ideas, learn new skills, and explore the stories that shaped Texas.

From engaging sessions and hands-on workshops to fascinating field trips and opportunities to connect with fellow history enthusiasts, there's something for everyone!

📅 Registration opens October 15!
🌾 Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to join us!

Address

23200 Park Road 12, P O Box 317
Washington, TX
77880

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+19368782461

Website

https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/star-republic-museum-state-historic-site

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