Washington-on-the-Brazos Complex
Hours & Admission: Grounds open daily. Immersive and living history experiences run Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission tickets required.
Discover the real stories of the place where Texas became Texas. Walk the streets of the once-capital of a nation as you explore the Washington Townsite Experience, then step into Texas' agricultural past at the Barrington Living History Farm, home of Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas, where living history brings the past to life. Immerse yourself in the newly renovated Star of the Republic Museum.
Barrington Living History Farm
Discover the final home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, now a Living History Farm.
Star of the Republic Museum
The star-shaped museum commemorates the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the last capital of the Republic of Texas.
Washington-on-the-Brazos
Known as "Where Texas Became Texas," it was on this site that on March 1, 1836, Texas delegates met to formally announce Texas' intention to separate from Mexico.
Events
Labor of Thine Hands: Trades in Early Texas
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Ponder for a moment all the skills and trades practiced by others that you rely upon each day. Could you survive without them? Just as you require the skills of others, so did early Texans. Blacksmiths repaired their plows and wagons; potters turned vessels for storing their water and food; and carpenters built their homes and filled them with furniture. While often viewed as self-sufficient, urban and rural communities were linked together by the goods and services each offered. As you explore the Washington Townsite, we encourage you to visit with the various tradesmen and women to discover more about the work they are doing and how their skills were needed by the community. For more information, please contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov, or 936-878-2214 ext. 248
Gamblers, Horse Racers, and Sports of All Classes: Horse Racing in Washington
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Join us on Saturday for an exciting 19th century horse racing exhibition! This year’s event will feature 5 races on the track at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of race day, with period games like faro, refreshments, stick horse races for kids, and wagon rides by Iron Horse Guest Ranch! For more information, please contact Tynan Shadle at tynan.shadle@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 ext. 224.
Gamblers, Horse Racers, and Sports of All Classes: Horse Racing in Washington
Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Join us on Saturday for an exciting 19th century horse racing exhibition! This year’s event will feature 5 races on the track at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of race day, with period games like faro, refreshments, stick horse races for kids, and wagon rides by Iron Horse Guest Ranch! For more information, please contact Tynan Shadle at tynan.shadle@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 ext. 224.
Blogs
Rebirth on the Brazos
Another New Beginning: Upgraded Washington-on-the-Brazos Site Brings Texas Republic Era to Life
Rebirth on the Brazos
Another New Beginning: Upgraded Washington-on-the-Brazos Site Brings Texas Republic Era to Life
Top 4 Historic Sites to Relive the Texas Revolution
The Texas Revolution isn’t just a chapter in the history books—it remains a living legacy preserved through the Texas Historical Commission's evocative state historic sites.
Explore the Campus
Discover more than 300 acres of history and take a virtual tour of our campus.
Plan Your Visit
Learn about amenities, tour options, travel advice, and volunteer opportunities
Educational Programs
Learn about school programs, tours, and outreach efforts.
Washington-on-the-Brazos History
Learn more about the history of the town where the Republic of Texas was established.
Event Rentals
Rental spaces include indoor venues like the Visitor Center and Museum, outdoor areas such as grounds and amphitheater, and unique settings like Barrington Living History Farm.
Resources
Find visitors guides and contact information for the sites here.