History

The mission of the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is to preserve the rich history of Washington, the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the onetime capital of the Republic of Texas. Between the Revolution and annexation, the Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation, and the history of Washington-on-the-Brazos reflects the unique character of that period.

Owned and managed by the Texas Historical Commission, the site exists to honor the 59 signers of the Declaration of Independence and their efforts to build a new nation. The site also interprets life in Texas during the Republic era, educating visitors about early Texan society, culture, politics, and agriculture to ensure that Texas’ present and future can benefit from the lessons of its history.