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"Texas Independence Day Celebration” is an annual two-day living history celebration on Saturday, February 25th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, February 26th from 10am to 3pm on the 293-acre Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site to celebrate where 59 delegates bravely met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836.

Independence Hall at Washington on the Brazos

The admission-free event features live music, food, demonstrations and sales of traditional crafts (blacksmithing, candle makers, woodworking, quilting and more), living history presentations, musket and cannon firings, pageantry, kids activities, museum exhibit and other commemorative programs. Historical reenactors set up a bonafide 1836 Texas Army camp where visitors can wander freely among the tents to learn how the soldiers and their families lived in 1836 so guests can experience life in Texas in 1836.

Barrington Plantation at Washington on the Brazos

Admission fees are waived for the site’s attractions (Independence Hall; Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm) for that weekend celebration. Admission to the grounds, on-site shuttles and parking are also free.

Event Schedule

Saturday, February 25

At 10:30 AM, a kick off parade will take place down Ferry Street in the park to Independence Hall. Visitors are encouraged to line both sides of Ferry Street near Independence Hall. The parade will include an 1850s Stagecoach, the Navasota High School Drumline, and period clothed re-enactors and interpreters. The parade participants will then gather at Independence Hall for a reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence, musket salute, toasts, and remarks by State Senator Lois Kolkhorst. Get here early and enjoy the parade!

Stars Over Texas Amphitheater

Barrington Plantation

Star of the Republic Theater

Independence Hall

Texas Army Camp

Childress Courtyard

Sunday, February 26

Stars Over Texas Amphitheater

Barrington Plantation

Star of the Republic Theater

Independence Hall

Texas Army Camp

About Washington on the Brazos

Located on 293 acres of lush park land, the picturesque Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site gives visitors unique insights into the lives and times of the 59 delegates who met on that very spot on March 2, 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.   From 1836 to 1846, the Republic of Texas proudly but precariously existed as a separate and unique nation. Washington on the Brazos is, indeed, “Where Texas Became Texas.”

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite attractions open daily, as well as an incredible year-round schedule of events and programs.  On the grounds of this Texas Historical Commission-run state historic site is the Star of the Republic Museum; Independence Hall; and Barrington Plantation. The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution; it also houses the spacious Museum Store, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items. All visitors are encouraged to start with the Visitor Center. This facility is free to the public and is the best place to gather information at the site, Star of Republic Museum, Independence Hall, Barrington Plantation, and purchase entry tickets.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is the core of the Republic of Texas Complex, which also includes Fanthorp Inn—a wonderfully preserved 19th century stagecoach inn located nearby in Anderson, TX.   A visit to this significant historic site is a must for all Texans and newcomers alike!

The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information about Washington on the Brazos, please visit wheretexasbecametexas.org. 

Source: Washington on the Brazos

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