Washington on the Brazos Nat'l Historic Site, Washington, Texas

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 was a raw, new town when delegates from all over Texas crowded in for the March 1836 Convention. Santa Anna's army had moved into San Antonio de Bexar, and the Alamo was under siege. War was at hand and the delegates had to act.

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.

Independence Hall

On this ground, Texas created a new nation, founded in liberty and self-determination. Dissatisfied with the Mexican government after Santa Anna declared himself dictator, the Texas army began fighting Mexican forces in September 1835. When the Convention met here in March 1836, most Texans supported independence from Mexico and the formation of a new Republic.

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!

The river became Washington's lifeline during the 1840s and 1850s. The town was the head of the head of navigation on the Brazos. Riverboats brought goods from Galveston, New Orleans, and New York and took cotton to market.

George Campbell Childress was the 32 year old Milam representative. Childress was elected to the convention along with his uncle Sterling C. Robertson after moving to Robertson's colony in January of 1836. He served as chairman of the committee and called the convention to order. George Campbell Childress (January 8, 1804 – October 6, 1841) was a lawyer, statesman and was a principal author of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

La Bahia Pecan Tree

The La Bahia pecan's closest relatives are in Jaumave, Mexico over 900 miles away. How did it get here? The La Bahia Road was one of the main routes through Texas when the tree germinated. Perhaps a pecan fell from a saddlebag or the wagon of travelers from Mexico as they passed through Texas. Maybe early Texans in a search of better pecans ordered a seedling from Mexico. We will never know for sure but it's fun to imagine.

The tree sprouted here shortly after Andrew Robinson and his family became the first permanent settlers in the area.  This places it in the town of Washington at the time of the Convention that organized the Texas republic in 1836. The tree would have seen the Texas Revolution, the birth and death of the town of Washington and the journeys of every person who traveled the La Bahia Road from the time it sprouted until the present day. As a tangible link to the past, it connects us to the ongoing story of Texas.

Map of the Area