25th
Washington-on-the-Brazos to determine how to protect
themselves from the tyrannical Mexican government. Days
later, news of the Alamo's massacre reached them. Under Sam
Houston's direction, the delegates drafted a Declaration of
Independence and established a constitution for a new nation.
Etched in the history books forever, Washington County
became the "Birthplace of Texas."
the Spanish in the early 1820s and was later named for Dr.
Richard Fox Brenham, a hero of the Texas Republic and the
Mier Expedition. Washington County was formally organized
in 1837 as part of Stephen F. Austin's original colony. Today,
downtown Brenham features an array of antique and specialty
shops, all clustered around the courthouse square, and offers
a variety of restaurants, plus the Brenham Heritage Museum
and professional productions at Unity Theatre.
prospered during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is
known for its historic, restored 1914 cotton gin, named
the official Texas Cotton Gin Museum by the Texas
Legislature. Special activities, planned for 2014, will
mark the 100th anniversary of the cotton gin and the
25th anniversary of the annual Cotton Gin Festival.
stagecoach stop and steamboat port for shipping cotton
down the Brazos River to the Port of Houston. A dozen
National Register properties and a museum record the
town's early history. With quaint shops and a historic
bank, it hosts the annual Bluebonnet Festival in April
and Scarecrow Festival in October.
John Prince Coles, arriving in Texas in 1821 as one of Stephen
F. Austin's 300 colonists. In 1836, the community was renamed
Independence to honor Texas' declaration of freedom from
Mexico. In 1839, a Baptist church was established where Sam
Houston attended and was baptized. Houston's mother-in-law was
so grateful that she had a large iron bell created and presented to
the church. The Texas Baptist Historical Center-Museum features
this bell and many other early Texas history exhibits.
the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and the
Star of the Republic Museum on its original site. A replica of
Independence Hall echoes with the voices of men who created
the Republic's governing documents. The museum perpetuates
"Old Washington" through exciting cultural exhibits focused
on the Republic period.
Living History Farm. Visitors can also spend time viewing the
Visitor Center's interactive exhibits, shop in the extensive gift
shop, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful park grounds next
to the Brazos River, and explore interpretive trails.