“Texas Independence Day Celebration” Features Music, Food, Crafts, Firearm Demonstrations, Historical Camps and Commemorative Programs from 1836
Brenham, Texas (PRWEB) January 29, 2016 -- 2016 will be an especially important year for Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site: not only is it the 180th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836 at Washington on the Brazos, but it will also be the state park's 100th birthday. It was March 2, 1836 when 59 delegates bravely met in Washington, Texas to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. After the Texas Revolution at San Jacinto, the Republic of Texas proudly existed as a separate nation from 1836 until 1846.
To commemorate the 180th anniversary of Texas Revolution, the three entities that administer and support this site—Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept (TPWD), Blinn College and Washington on the Brazos State Park Association—are planning some Texas-sized celebrations.
“Texas Independence Day Celebration” (TIDC) is an annual two-day celebration of Texas history from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2016 on the expansive 293-acre park grounds and its three incredible attractions: Independence Hall (replica of the site where representatives wrote the Texas Declaration of Independence); Star of the Republic Museum (collections and programs honoring Texas history, administered by Blinn College); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, work and farm as did the original residents of this homestead). The birthday celebration features live music, food, traditional crafts, living history presentations, historical encampments and commemorative programs so guests can experience life in Texas in 1836.
Admission fees are waived for the site’s attractions (Independence Hall, Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Living History Farm) during the TIDC weekend celebration. Admission to the grounds, on-site shuttles and parking are also free.
In 2016, TIDC will be expanded to include some special guests and entertainment on both weekend days, including Texas A&M University Singing Cadets; the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band performing three times (on Saturday only); Professor Farquar’s Great American Medicine Show with Polecat Annie; a historical play titled “The Birth of a Republic” about the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence; unveiling and book signing of “Washington on the Brazos: Cradle of the Texas Republic” by author Richard B. McCaslin (fellow of the TSHA and professor of history at the University of North Texas); family reunions of the descendants of the 59 men who signed the Declaration; wreath laying ceremony at the Children’s Monument; the Masonic flag raising ceremony; and additional historical reenactments.
The Star of the Republic Museum at WOB will celebrate the 180th anniversary with its new exhibit “A Legacy of Leadership: The Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.” Elected as delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1836, these men determined the future of Texas; the exhibit will include personal artifacts such as Sam Maverick’s buckskins, a cameo of Michel Menard, oil portraits of Stephen Blount and his wife, and many others items.
And—just as they did 180 years ago—riders on horseback will make their way down La Bahia Road and into the Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site to deliver letters from Alamo commander William Barret Travis to Washington on the Brazos, timed in conjunction with the annual Texas Independence Day Celebration at this state park. Called the “Ride for Texas Independence,” interpretive staff from area historical sites—led by Scott McMahon, Director, Presidio La Bahia—will retrace on horseback the route the couriers traveled in 1836 as closely as possible, while dressed in period clothing and using riding tack authentic to that used during the Texian War for Independence. The 12-day ride will begin on February 24, 2016 on the grounds of the Alamo and travel through towns including Seguin, Gonzales, Shiner, San Felipe, Belmont, Sublime, Altair and Beard until reaching WOB on Saturday, March 5, 2016.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site: This TPWD-run state park has many onsite amenities open daily, as well as an incredible schedule of events and programs. On-site attractions include Independence Hall; the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm. The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution and highlight the historic attractions located within the park; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items and keepsakes. The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is an authentically preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn, located nearby in Anderson, TX. Entrance to the park grounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free.
The Park: The expansive park grounds along the Brazos River also provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird watching, as well as four geocaching sites—two each from TPWD and the Brenham/Washington County Chamber. It also features a Conference Center for meetings, weddings and reunions. The Education Center with two classroom-style spaces are perfect for smaller groups. An outdoor amphitheater and two pavilions are also available for rent.
Park Association membership levels are available for individuals, families and businesses and include free admission to the Site’s attractions for a year, including—for some levels—private parties during the park’s special celebrations.
TIDC is made possible by ExxonMobil, Bluebonnet Electric Co-op, The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, The City of Brenham, The City of Navasota, Blinn College, KTEX 106 Sounds Like Texas, Travis and Tim Bryan-The Bank & Trust of Bryan/College Station, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is located on the Brazos River at the original townsite of Washington, Texas, a major political and commercial center in early Texas. It is located at 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880—approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105. From Hwy. 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12.
Updates on the all festivities commemorating the Texas revolution and Texas history, including TIDC and the 180th celebrations, are continually posted at http://www.wheretexasbecametexas.org; the public can contact office(at)wheretexasbecametexas(dot)org or (936) 878-2214 for more information.
Jeanne Albrecht, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, http://wheretexasbecametexas.org/, +1 (210) 392-9047, [email protected]
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