Star of the Republic Museum The Star of the Republic Museum opened in 1970 with the mission of telling the story of the Republic period of Texas history, 1836–1846. It was created by the Texas legislature and is administered by Blinn College. Parts of the Republic period can be experienced at other venues in the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Anson Jones’ Barrington Living History Farm, Gallery of the Republic exhibits in the Visitor’s Center, and Independence Hall on the Washington-on-the-Brazos town site each provide components of the story. But the whole broad story of the Texas Republic period is provided in detail with high-quality exhibits and unique artifacts of the period in the Star of the Republic Museum. Changing exhibits provide an in-depth focus on important aspects of Texas history and culture. For more information, call (936) 878-2461,
ext. 236.
Barrington Living History Farm Anson Jones was a doctor from Massachusetts who came to Texas in 1833, originally to Brazoria. He had a successful medical practice, however, like many other residents of Texas, found his life’s work overtaken by the turmoil associated with the changes in Mexico. Initially in favor of patience with the Mexican government, he was swept up in the revolutionary wave. He declined to be a delegate to the Constitutional Convention but enlisted in Robert J. Calder’s company serv- ing in the San Jacinto Campaign. He returned to Brazoria and his medical practice after the war. He was elected to the Second Texas Congress. Among other issues of importance, he worked on legislation to regulate the practice of medicine and supported the establishment of an endowment for a university. In 1838 President Sam Houston
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Located in Washington County, eight miles southwest of Navasota, off Texas 105 and FM 1155.
ADDRESS 23200 Park Road 12
Washington, TX 77880 HOURS
Open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving day and from December 24 through January 1.
There is no admission fee to enter the Visitor Center. Tickets may be purchased at individual sites (Independence Hall and Townsite, Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Living History Farm) or at the Visitor Center. A Brazos Pass can be purchased for admission to all three sites.
INDEPENDENCE HALL/TOWNSITE PUBLIC TOURS
(936) 878-2214, ext 222
Weekdays: Tours for the general public are offered at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm unless groups of 20 or more are touring at those times.
No reservations are necessary.
Weekends: 10 am, 11 am. 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.
No reservations are necessary for individual tours
INDEPENDENCE HALL/TOWNSITE PUBLIC TOURS
(936) 878-2461, ext 236
VISIT WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/washington- on-the-brazos
VISIT BRENHAM
visitbrenhamtexas.com VISIT NAVASOTA
navasotagrimeschamber.com
appointed him minister to the United States with the charge to pursue measures that would either strengthen Texas as an independent nation or fur- ther the cause to be annexed to the United States. His work in this regard was pivotal to the eventual annexation of Texas by the United States. In 1839 he was elected to finish William H. Wharton’s term in the Senate of the Texas Republic. He was president pro tem of the Senate during the Fifth Congress. He was appointed secretary of state by President Sam Houston, which positioned him to effectively further the cause for annexation to the United States. In 1844 he was elected president of Texas, serving until United State President James K. Polk fulfilled his campaign promise of securing the annexation of Texas to the United States. On Feb. 19, 1846, in a ceremony establishing Texas state government he declared that “The Republic of Texas is no more.” He retired to Barrington, his plantation near Washington-on-the-Brazos. His subsequent desire to serve in the United States Senate never came to pass.
Anson Jones, last president of Texas
Anson Jones’ Barrington plantation has been restored and moved onto the grounds of the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The outbuildings that were associated with Barrington have been reconstructed to form the Barrington Living History Farm. Although Jones’ property included considerable real estate (and slaves), a visit to Barrington provides a picture that is in stark contrast to the image of grand planta- tion mansions with lavish estates found in other parts of the South. Barrington is a humble house, and with its outbuildings is typical in scale to other rural Texas constructions of the period. There is no question that Anson Jones is one of the principal “larger than life” figures of the Texas Republic period. Sometimes the mythol- ogy of Texas takes over, creating exaggerated impressions of the life that such men lived. It is well worth a visit to Barrington to understand that men of extraordinary courage and accomplish- ment were truly products of a pioneer era in Texas history. The Jones home is original; the outbuild- ings are reconstructed based on Jones’ journal and drawings. Living history interpreters in period dress operate Barrington Living History Farm in a manner remi- niscent of the 1830s period. “Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the 19th century. The scene is complete with heri- tage breeds of live- stock.” Visitors may participate in the work of the farm and become a part of the exhibit learning how to drive oxen, plant and harvest crops, and try spinning or making soap.
42 AUTHENTIC TEXAS
STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM
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