Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park

Washington-on-the Brazos State Park is considered to be the birthplace of Texas.  It is where Texas delegates met to agree on their separation from Mexico.  The 293-acre park consists of Independence Hall, Visitor Center, Star of the Republic Museum, and the Barrington Living History Farm.  All can be accessed by vehicle or walking / nature trails.

Inside the Visitor Center
Taking a look at the map, deciding where to go next.

Navigating on the Nature Trails

We decided to walk, like they did in olden times, rather than take our vehicle.

Random House located in the Star of the Republic Museum vicinity

Proof that I was there

Several photos are missing. :(

Barrington Living History Farm

The Barrington Living History Farm is located in Washington County, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park.  The farm features a view of mid-19th century living and includes acres of farm land, live animals, a home which was occupied by the last President of Texas, Anson Jones, a separate kitchen, barn, and two slave quarters.

A view of horses and oxen used to plow the fields for harvesting cotton

A close-up view of the harnessed oxen used to plow the fields
The "Beasts of Burden" re-enactment featured a live display of the hard work endured by the animals and farm owners to harvest cotton.  All characters were dressed appropriate to their times.

The exterior of the fireplace in one of the slave quarters
The fireplace and cabin used mud, the cement of their times as insulation.

An exterior view of the slave quarters
This cabin is extremely small in comparison to the dwelling of the farm owners.

An interior view of the "nicer" slave quarter.
This quarter included a larger fireplace and what appeared to be more comfortable beds.  When looking around the farm, you could understand why the slaves didn't run away.  Where would they have gone?  There was so much land to cover in order to get off the property that surrounded the farm.

Hogs located near the slave quarters

The Barrington Farm House
On the porch, the women are removing seeds from cotton.  The interior consisted of their bedrooms, the dining room, and what appeared to be a living room.

The exit of the Barrington Farm House

Featured here is a lovely patch of blue-bonnets, the Texas state flower.

Star of the Republic Museum

The Star of the Republic Museum is located at Washington-on-the Brazos State Historic Site.  It contains 46 exhibits and covers over 10,000 square feet on two, separate levels.

The museum also includes the Showers-Brown Discovery Center for children and offers interactive activities that are even fun for adults.  The second floor of the museum features a walk-out patio from several exits.

You'll be amazed that the Star of the Republic Museum is actually shaped like a star.  The patio overlooks the Washington on the Brazos state park with its peaceful, green scenery.

The Visitor's Center, before proceeding to the Star of the Republic Museum

  

Walkway leading to the Star of the Republic Museum

The entrance to the Star of the Republic Museum

Posing in front a Sam Houston statue.

Stephen F. Austin was also poised at the other end.

Items used in the 18th century

Other items displayed during this period consisted of the flint-lock rifle and other weapons, tools, animals, dishes, home decor, furniture, doctors' devices, and dishes.

Water keg used for storing and hauling water

Hauling water was a tough job.