In early July 1824, Commissioner of Colonization Baron de Bastrop arrived at San Felipe de Austin and began issuing land titles to Empresario Stephen F. Austin’s first colonists. In July through mid-August of 1824, Bastrop issued titles to approximately 270 Mexican land grants, totaling over 1.5 million acres of land. These first families of Austin’s Read more
Congratulations to the winners of the Texas History Awards sponsored by Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation. The Allen Commander Junior winner is Jonathan Medlock from Stephen F. Austin Middle School for the website The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. See the website here. The Mike and Nina Hopkins Senior winner is Ajay Gundana from A&M Read more
We would like to introduce our new Newsletter! Check out Issue 1 here. Newsletter V1
Learn more Cyndee Smith, President of the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association Why did you join the Association board? When I purchased land in Washington County in 2000, I thought my address would be Chappell Hill (which has its own notoriety, of course). When the address was “Washington”, I had no idea such Read more
We have quite a few bluebonnet and wildflower patches around the park. They should last until end of April/Early May. If you visit the park, please send us your bluebonnet photos to marketing@wheretexasbecametexas.org.
By Scott Huddleston, San Antonio Express News “The Reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence,” by Charles and Fanny Normann, is displayed at the Star of the Republic Museum at the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site. The last batch of letters Alamo commander William Barret Travis is known to have sent out Read more
Andrew Briscoe was the 25 year old Harrisburg representative. Active in the military, Briscoe was the Caption of the Liberty Volunteers at the Battle of Concepcion and Caption of Company A, Infantry Regulars in the battle of San Jacinto. He actually had to leave the Convention early to fight at San Jacinto. After his service, Read more
Asa Brigham was the 46 year old Brazoria representative. Brigham was a staple in Brazoria where at some point or another he was the treasurer, on the board of health, kept a ferry with a mercantile business, a stockholder in the railroad, a land owner where he raised livestock and helped establish the Masonic lodge. Read more
John White Bower was the 27 year old San Patricio representative. Prior to the convention, Bower operated a ferry on the San Antonio River opposite Carlos Rancho. His most important role though was as a spy for Fannin’s spy system during the Goliad campaign. Bower’s information about Goliad influenced Fannin to abandon his plans to Read more
Stephen William Blount was the 28 year old San Augustine representative. Blount had quite a productive career in San Augustine after the Convention. He became the first county clerk and served as postmaster from 1846-1849. Active in military life as well, he founded the Texas Veterans Association, made up of veterans of the Republic of Read more
Thomas Barnett was the 38 year old Austin representative. The farmer, along with his wife and six children, were some of Austin’s Old Three Hundred, the settlers who purchased land from Stephen F. Austin and made up a colony of the first approved influx of Anglo-Americans to come to Texas. Prior to the convention, Thomas Read more
These exquisite, one of a kind, wooden, hand crafted spoons are unique like no others. One set is made of mesquite and the other of pecan. Both are adorned with Texas Ranger Stars. JD Bolich is a wood craftsman or ‘Bodger’ residing in Benchley, Texas with more than 45 years of experience. He custom handcrafts Read more
The lavishly appointed clubhouse at Miramont in Bryan is known as one of the grandest in the country. The golf is one of the top 10 courses in Texas, providing challenges for amateurs and pros alike. Your party of 4 will enjoy one round of golf with two golf carts, followed by dinner at the Read more
Discover how Texas History stays alive and well at Washington on the Brazos with a behind the scenes tour of very special Star of the Republic Museum including the new Pioneer Playroom. Then stroll down the country lane for an evening at Lott’s Tavern in Old Washington during the 1850’s. There you will enjoy a candlelight Read more
With two (2) tickets to a pre-season on the Club Level and a parking pass to the red lot you will cheer on the Texans and marvel as the Big Boy, JJ Watt works his magic on defense. Date to be determined when schedule is released. Enjoy the win with a meal with a $75 Read more
Show your Texas pride with these unique glass necklaces. In addition to the present day Texas flag, the other is the Dodson flag. The Dodson flag was flown over Washington on the Brazos during the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Both are handmade using a Fuseworks kiln. Handmade especially for you by Melissa Read more
Put a little touch of Texas in every corner of your home. Featuring a hand thrown Pottery pitcher and glasses by Herb Baumgartner, a long time demonstrator for Washington on the Brazos. Using native clay, Herb throws each piece on the potter’s wheel. Some clays are dug from his farm in Ellis County and some Read more
Join the faithful at the newly renovated Kyle Field to see the Fightin’ Texas Aggies to see Kevin Sumlin’s Fightin’ Texas Aggies start the 2016 season with Sooner import Trevor Knight in action as QB. Christian Kirk, Myles Garrett and Speedy Noil are on track to deliver a stellar season. Texas A&M vs Prairie View Read more
Give your child the most unique Birthday Party of their young life! Ten children will begin with play time at Barrington Farm, the living history farm at Washington on the Brazos. The kids will play games from the 1800’s and make toys of the time period such as corn husker dolls and clay marbles. They Read more
Find great Grandma and your ancestors. Shelby Rowan will donate ten hours of work to you but, for a $1,000 donation to Washington on the Brazos, she will give you 40 hours of research! You need to have at least two generations before you that lived in America. Expires April 30, 2017. Show your Texas Read more
Your party of six (6) people will enjoy a private tour of The San Jacinto monument and museum. Discover how a decisive 18-minute battle for Texas independence empowered a young nation, forever altered the course of world history and left a legacy of Texian valor. Next you will enjoy a personal tour of the Battleship Read more
Steep yourself in Texas history and your magnificent Capitol. This is a day in Austin for six (6) people to enjoy the wonders of the State. Experience an intriguing behind-the-scenes tour at the Bullock Texas State History Museum and receive a book about the amazing excavation of La Belle which was discovered 300 years after Read more
Elissa is a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1877 in Scotland. She measures 205 feet long, 99 feet high and, at 135 years old, she is not a replica – she is a survivor. Read her incredible story in the book “Elissa”. The knife was handcrafted by Percy Richardson, using teak from the deck Read more
What better way to see your property than from the big blue Texas sky! Get a thrill with an airplane ride for four (4) passengers with pilot and a co-pilot. The plane seats 6 people. You will fly for approximately one hour over Washington County and surrounding areas. The pilot, Jeff Weiss, has flown many Read more
Designed and handcrafted by Peter Emerson are several items that are treasures to be passed on for generations. A copper platter depicting Independence Hall, the humble building where 180 years ago, 59 brave men signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and changed the course of history. Hand carved in wood, this cutting board, celebrates that Read more
The golf enthusiasts will enjoy one round of golf, including lunch, for 4 golfers at Traditions, the prestigious, private club in Aggieland. Challenge yourself on this Jack Nicklaus designed course, nestled among the natural banks of Turkey Creek. Includes a one night stay in a Traditions 3-bedroom Casita.
Own a very unique, framed drawing of the Texas Capitol signed by your own Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Joe Straus. Order a Texas flag to be flown over the Texas Capitol on a date of your choice.
Hoot ‘n holler at this Chuck Wagon cook-out for 30 people. The Sourdough Cookers will grill up dinner with all the fixins’ from the back of an authentic chuck wagon just as it was done 150 years ago. Hosted at the location of your choice, within a one-hour drive of Brenham. This party will take Read more
Paintbrush, canvas and palette, all make for a wonderful day of Painting in the Park. Add wine and munchies to create the perfect Girls Day Out! This is not your average painting class and no experience is necessary…just Paint ‘n Sip with your art teacher. You and 25 friends will gather “Where Texas Became Texas” Read more
