Washington: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

White house with a covered porch and a picket fence
Modern building named Star of the Republic Museum

Star of the Republic Museum

Painting of a small wood frame building with groups of men standing on either side

Washington on the Brazos Independence Hall (San Jacinto Museum of History)

Drawing of men congregated in a wooden building listening to a man reading from papers titled “Independence Hall at Washington-on-the-Brazos” by Charles L. Smith, circa 1850

Signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence (San Jacinto Museum of History)

Photograph of a document titled Declaration of Independence by the Delegates of the People of Texas in general convention at the Town of Washington

On this site, in near-freezing March weather, delegates to the Convention of 1836 met in an unfinished room and proclaimed what could hardly have been imagined just months before: the independence of Texas from Mexico.

Over the course of 16 days, the Texas Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed; the Constitution of the Republic of Texas written; an ad interim government organized; and Sam Houston named commander of the Army.

Today, on nearly 300 acres, the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features a replica of Independence Hall; the Star of the Republic Museum; the restored home of the last president of the Republic, Anson Jones; a visitor center; a park; and farming demonstrations by interpreters in period clothing at Barrington Plantation. 

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

  • Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - sunset
  • Admission: None
  • 23400 Park Rd. 12, Washington, TX
  • 936-878-2214
  • Visit Website
  • A Texas Historical Commission Property
SITE MAP
PREVIOUS
SITES
NEXT