Washington in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Washington-on-the-Brazos
Photographed By QuesterMark, April 11, 2009
1. Washington-on-the-Brazos Texas Historical Marker
This village — site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and first capital of the Republic of Texas — began in 1822 as a ferry crossing. Here the historic La Bahia Road (now Ferry Street) spanned the Brazos River.
In 1834 a townsite was laid out and named, probably for Washington, Georgia, home of a leading settler.
In 1835, as political differences with Mexico led toward war, the General Council (the insurgent Texas government) met in the town. Enterprising citizens then promoted the place as a site for the Convention of 1836 and, as a "bonus," provided a free meeting hall. Thus, Texas' Declaration of Independence came to be signed in an unfinished building owned by a gunsmith.
The Provisional Government of the Republic was also organized in Washington, but was removed, March 17, as news of the advancing Mexican Army caused a general panic throughout the region. The townspeople fled too on March 20, 1836, in the "Runaway Scrape".
After the Texan victory at San Jacinto, the town thrived for a period. It was again capital of Texas, 1842-1845; and became center of Washington State Park, 1916. It now contains historic buildings and "Barrington", home of Anson Jones, the last President of Texas. (1969)
Erected 1969 by State Historical
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1770.
Location. 30° 19.568′ N, 96° 9.349′ W. Marker is in Washington, Texas, in Washington County. Marker is on Park Road 12, 0.6 miles east of Farm to Market Road 1155, on the left when traveling north. This marker is located within the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23400 Park Road, Washington TX 77880, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birth of a Republic (within shouting distance of this marker); Here a Nation was Born (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Little Town on the River (about 300 feet away); George Campbell Childress (about 400 feet away); Washington County (about 400 feet away); Washington's Boom Time (about 400 feet away); The Heart of the Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Andrew Robinson, Sr. (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Texas Historical Commission website entry (Submitted on March 5, 2014.)
2. Where Texas Became Texas. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association (Submitted on March 5, 2014.)
Photographed By QuesterMark, April 11, 2009
2. Washington-on-the-Brazos Marker vicinity
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, January 20, 2023
3. Washington-on-the-Brazos Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2014, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. This page has been viewed 949 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 4, 2014, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. 3. submitted on March 30, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
