Washington on the Brazos

Wednesday found us on the road again headed to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site. It was a very pretty drive. First we had to cross Lake Conroe and cut across country. Hmmmm, maybe we should have cleaned the windshield first.

The weather was great, the scenery was beautiful.

I wonder what's behind this gate. It sure is pretty out front.

About an hour later we arrived at Washington-on-the Brazos State Historical Site.

History always seems so much more real when you can make it come alive. Washington-on-the-Brazos is the birthplace of Texas. Not the state of Texas but the Republic of Texas.

We strolled out of the visitor's center and headed to Independence Hall.

The town of Washington-on-the-Brazos came to life in 1834. War within Mexico was building. Texas was part of Mexico and the citizen's of the area, immigrants from the U.S. as well as native Texanos were increasingly dismayed by what was happening. In 1835, enterprising citizens promoted the town as the site of a convention offering their town meeting hall to discuss formation of an Independent Republic of Texas.

This is where it all began. Fifty-nine individuals, mostly under 40 years old, attended the convention in 1836 including several native Texans, a Mexican, and others from the United States and Europe.

Sam Houston was selected at commander of the revolutionary army and left to gather forces at Gonzales. The Constitution was patterned after that of the United States and several southern states. When news arrived that the Alamo had fallen, the Constitution was hastily signed.

David Burnett was the interim President. Negotiations began to reach peace with Mexico. Sam Houston was elected as the first President in September. Such an important place in Texas history and this is what remains of the rest of the town.

There are placards providing information about the original townsite bringing it back alive with imagination.

Down below this bluff is where the ferry was located. Andrew Robinson was a very enterprising businessman operating the ferry as well as several other businesses in the town.

There are lots of trees in the area but The La Bahia Pecan has special significance as it was present back when all the history was happening.

I couldn't get a very good picture of it. It's very tall. You can just barely see it budding out.

Along the path further is an amphitheater.

In the distance you can see a very nice picnic area and playground for visitors.

The Republic of Texas lasted for 10 years. On 19 February 1846, Texas became a state under the United States.

Next we headed into the Star of the Republic Museum.

Remember Andrew Robinson....he was an important man.

First we saw a movie which outlined important events and culture. Then we began looking at the exhibits.

There is quite a bit to look at ranging from history to culture with some great displays. It is laid out in an easy to follow pattern.  Our final stop was a living history farm but I gave that it's own post.