Washington, TX – Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and the Texas Historical Commission invite all Texans to celebrate 190 years of independence on February 28 at the place Where Texas Became Texas.
The weekend celebration of the 190th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, which occurred on March 2, 1836, is free to the public and encompasses the entire Washington-on-the-Brazos complex, including Barrington Living History Farm.
The opening ceremony and parade begin at 10:15 a.m. and includes a ribbon-cutting for the newest building in the recently unveiled Washington Townsite Experience, the Hall & Lott Tavern.
Enjoy demonstrations, activities, and scenes from the Convention of 1836 at the new Washington Townsite Experience. Tour the Star of the Republic Museum’s new amazing exhibits, including a special display of the “Ark of the Covenant” of the Texas Declaration of Independence—a box made from the original Independence Hall. Finally, shop and eat at some of the vendors and food trucks.
Entertainment includes 19th-century shows; Punch & Judy Puppet Show; Professor Gerrard’s Magic Show; and Professor Thompson S. Gunn’s Mystic Arts of Asia, the Far East & India at Barrington Living History Farm.
At the Stars Over Texas Stage at the Bullock Amphitheater, entertainment includes the Alabama Coushatta, Mixteco Ballet Folklorico, Convention Delegate Roll Call, the San Antonio Liederkranz German Men’s Choir, and the Brenham High School Band.
Texian Army reenactors will also give musket demonstrations throughout the day.
Washinton-on-the-Brazos Historic Site is one of 42 Texas Historical Commission museums, forts and other sites around the state. Having recently undergone a significant renovation/expansion project, the Hall & Lott Tavern is the final building to be added to the Washington townsite. In addition to the new townsite, the Star of the Republic Museum underwent a significant update with state-of-the-art exhibits.
About the Texas Historical Commission
The THC is the state’s official historic preservation agency. It preserves, operates, and manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. The THC’s mission is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.
