In 1960, 28-year-old Gus F. Mutscher was elected State Representative from Washington County, Texas. In 1965, he introduced a bill appropriating $800,000 for construction of a "Worthy Museum, at the Birthplace of Texas that would be a Star upon a . . . — — Map (db m217338) HM
First settler of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" colonists to arrive in Texas. Came November 1821 with his wife Nancy and 2 children. In 1824 he received title to over 9,000 acres of land and was made a Captain in the colonial militia. The town of . . . — — Map (db m131018) HM
Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, bought 1,107 acres here from M. Austin Bryan in 1844. This site, named "Barrington" for Jones' birthplace in Massachusetts, was the "White House of Texas" from 1844-46. By 1845 Jones had . . . — — Map (db m131016) HM
This is the birthplace of the Independent Republic of Texas. The words written here changed the course of history. The building you're looking at is a replica of the original Texas Independence Hall. It was an unfinished storefront that housed . . . — — Map (db m217148) HM
In 1888, a church and school building was erected in a central location at newly divided Brown's Prairie with the Reverend David Buchmueller as pastor and teacher. By 1911, a new wooden six-room school building was used each Sunday with one teacher . . . — — Map (db m217125) HM
Organized in 1890, the Friedens Church served the German immigrant community of Washington County. Following the Civil War an influx of German settlers moved to Washington County. In 1888, Rev. Klindworth began to hold services in response to a plea . . . — — Map (db m217123) HM
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, January 8, 1804. Died in Galveston, Texas, October 6, 1841. Before coming to Texas in December 1835, he assisted in raising funds and securing volunteers for the Army of Texas. Delegate from the Municipality of Milam to . . . — — Map (db m131019) HM
On This Spot
Was Made
The Declaration
of Texas
Independence
March 2, 1836
The Necessity of Self-Preservation Therefore, Now Degrees Our Eternal Political Separation — — Map (db m217168) HM
When delegates met here in 1836 to declare independence, Washington was a new and tiny town.
In 1836 Washington was a small community built around a ferry landing where the La Bahia Road crossed the Brazos River. It had good water from . . . — — Map (db m217170) HM
Reverend J.L. Lawson and community members organized the Mercy Seat Baptist Church in 1894. Located in what was then called Graball, the original church building was built on property south of the current location. In 1953, the membership voted to . . . — — Map (db m217121) HM
Sticking with ferries meant Washington missed the boat.
The Brazos River was Washington's lifeline during the 1840s and 1850s. The town was as far up the river as boats could reliably travel. Riverboats brought goods from Galveston, New . . . — — Map (db m217263) HM
An original resident of Washington still survives.
This tree has seen the Texas Revolution, and the birth and decline of Washington. But the towering pecan tree isn't a native Texan. It's a product of the same forces that drove . . . — — Map (db m217275) HM
Kitchens have changed over time but are still considered the heart of the home.
If You Cant Stand the Heat
Busy work spaces, kitchens were strategically built away from the main living quarters to keep ash, smoke, and heat out of the . . . — — Map (db m217128) HM
To the memory of
those courageous souls,
the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention
held here March 1-17, 1836
who declared Texas free,
organized a Republic, and
framed its constitution
Jessie B. Badgett
Dr. George . . . — — Map (db m131017) HM
Methodist preacher Henry Stephenson traveled through Texas in 1826, and reportedly preached at the home of William and Catherine Gates near the future town of Washington, at a time when Mexican authorities did not permit protestant church services. . . . — — Map (db m217289) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m72114) HM
Government and the river brought new life to Washington.
The Republic of Texas made Washington the capital in 1842. Washington became the new home of Texas' Congress, courts and administrative offices. The growth attracted new residents . . . — — Map (db m217254) HM
