WALNUT SPRINGS POP. 850
ALT. 990
MAP L-16
This town was named by Native Americans for the many springs that still flow through historic Katy Park. Until the shops burned and the Katy Railroad chose not to rebuild, it was the largest town between Fort Worth and Waco.
KATY MUSEUM—This museum displays artifacts of the early settlers, Native Americans and Texas Rangers through railroad years and up to modern day. 254/797-3721.
LAKE—Lake Whitney, see WHITNEY.
WASHINGTON POP. 430 (est.)
ALT. 200 MAP P-19
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 979/836-3695 or 888/273-6426.
www.visitbrenhamtexas.com.
Known as Washington-on-the-Brazos or Old Washington, this town was established in 1834 near the location of a Brazos River ferry. The town achieved prominence during the Texas Revolution in 1836 as the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution of the newly born Republic of Texas. From 1842-46, Washington-on-the-Brazos served as the capital of the Republic. The little village today lies just off Texas 105 between Brenham and Navasota.
STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM—Located in the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, the museum presents the history of the Texas Republic through inter- active exhibits, publications and presentations. Exhibits depict the Republic period’s social life, agriculture, trans- portation, politics and military affairs. Admission charge. 936/878-2461.
http://starmuseum.org.
WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC SITE—This is the site where Texas declared independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. It includes a replica of the building where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, a visitor center, Star of the Republic Museum and trails. The Texas Independence Day celebration is held annually on the weekend nearest March 2. Call at least two weeks in advance to arrange a tour. Entrance on F.M. 1155. 936/878-2214.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state- parks/washington-on-the-brazos. Barrington Living History Farm is a working 1850s
cotton farm in the Brazos Valley. Costumed staff re- create what life was like here more than 150 years ago. Visitors can join the staff in farm activities. 936/878-2213.
WAXAHACHIE POP. 31,414
ALT. 585 MAP K-18
WAXAHACHIE CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU: 2000 Civic Center Lane. 469/309-4040.
www.waxahachiecvb.com.
The city’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “cow (or buffalo) creek.” The town was once squarely on the Chisholm Trail as part of the Shawnee Trail. Waxahachie is noted for the many Victorian-style homes with “gingerbread” trim. Several movies have been made in the city featuring its buildings and homes. For a map of these sites, visit the Ellis County Museum.
NICHOLAS P. SIMS LIBRARY—This original 1904 struc- ture, one of the first 10 public libraries in Texas, is an exam- ple of Roman Doric architecture. Gold leaf and Carrara marble are featured in the interior. Some of the original tables, chairs and books are still in use. 515 W. Main. 972/937-2671.
CHAUTAUQUA AUDITORIUM—Built in 1902, this building is a rare survivor of the Chautauqua circuit that brought live talent to rural towns in the early 1900s.
With the advent of radio, Chautauqua waned and ended in the 1930s. The restored structure is still in use and is in the National Register of Historic Places. In Getzendaner Park on South Grand Avenue.
ELLIS COUNTY COURTHOUSE—When this elaborate red sandstone and granite structure was being built in 1895, Italian artisans were brought in for the exterior stone carving. The recurring face is said to be that of Mabel Frame, a railroad telegraph operator with whom one sculptor became enamored. The clock uses a 250-pound wind-up mechanism. 101 W. Main St.
ELLIS COUNTY MUSEUM—Historical artifacts and household furnishings depict the history of the area in this restored 19th-century building on courthouse square. 201 S. College St. 972/937-0681.
www.rootsweb.com/~txecm.
LAKES—Lake Waxahachie—This municipal lake offers boat ramps, fishing, swimming and picnicking. Four miles southeast of Waxahachie off F.M. 877. 214/937-7330. Bardwell Lake, see ENNIS.
SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL—This springtime Renaissance festival features arts, crafts, foods and medieval-style fun—costumed royalty, jesters and puppet shows. See jousting, falconry exhibits and live entertainment. Admission charge. On F.M. 66, 1.6 miles west of I-35E. 972/938-3247.
www.scarboroughrenfest.com.
WEATHERFORD POP. 26,752
ALT. 1,052 MAP J-16
WEATHERFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Maps of driving and walking tours. In the Old Santa Fe Depot, three blocks east of the courthouse. 401 Fort Worth St. 888/594-3801.
www.weatherford-chamber.com.
In its early years, Weatherford was the last settlement on the Western wagon train route between Fort Worth and Fort Belknap. The southwest area of town boasts many Victorian-style residences from the late 1800s. The city is known to horse trainers as the Cutting Horse
Capital of the World, and the Texas Legislature named the county the “Peach Capital of Texas.” The Parker County Peach Festival is held in July, and the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo is in June. First Monday Trade Days are held on weekends preceding the first Monday of each month.
www.weatherfordparks.com.
CHANDOR GARDENS—Created by artist Douglas G. Chandor, the gardens reflect Chinese and English styles. Features include a 40-foot waterfall, grottoes and fountains. Pathways line an English lawn-bowling green. Children 12 and younger free. Admission charge. 711 W. Lee Ave. 817/613-1700.
www.ci.weatherford.tx. us/chandor.
DOSS HERITAGE & CULTURE CENTER—The center in- cludes a display about life on the frontier, rotating exhibits and the Mary Martin Gallery, showcasing the life of the actress and Weatherford native. 1400 Texas Drive. 817/599-6168.
www.dosscenter.org.
LAKE—Weatherford Lake—This City of Weather ford lake offers a marina and boat ramps. Includes boating, fishing and picnicking. About seven miles east of Weatherford via U.S. 80/180. 817/598-4000.
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAS—This museum’s extensive exhibits feature Native American items, a Texas collection, folk art and indigenous crafts of the Americas. Free. 216 Fort Worth Hwy. 817/341-8668.
www.museumof
theamericas.com.
OLIVER LOVING’S GRAVE—Known as the “Dean of Texas Trail Drivers,” Loving was wounded during a drive with Charles Goodnight and died at Fort Sumner. His body was transported more than 600 miles by wagon for burial in
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