Brenham and Washington County, Texas: History, Horses, Flowers and More
I’m sitting in the theater of the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos State
Historic Site watching Texas history unfold. Unlike the other states that make up the sometimes contentious United States of America, Texas was, for a brief period of time,
its own country. The Republic of Texas. Soldiers fought for its independence, died for its independence, and then 10 years later, in 1846, voluntarily
gave it up that same hard-won independence. As I sat there watching, I finally began to understand Texas.
Washington-on-the BrazosThe Star of the Republic Museum opened in 1970 dedicated to educating visitors about this unique history. The first floor provides a chronology of the formation of the Texas Republic. Exhibits also acknowledge the experiences and perspective of native Americans, and the people brought to Texas as unwilling slaves. The second floor provides a look at the social and cultural heritage of the people who became Texans.My education into the Republic of Texas continued with a visit to a recreated Independence Hall, an austere wood plank building where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. It, too, is part of Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Eventually the town faded and by 1861 little of its history was left. In 1916 the state bought some of the land and established the historical site. The final chapter of the Republic of Texas unfolds at Barrington Farm, also part of the complex. It is the actual home of the last president of the Republic of Texas – Anson Jones. And his time as President was surely bittersweet. His final act was to preside over the republic changing from independent country to the 28th state of the United States of America in 1846. Former President Jones then retired with his wife Mary, their four children, other family members to his Barrington farm. The family home is the original building, however the outbuildings were recreated from Jones’s papers and daybooks. Costumed interpreters depict that 19th century farm life. George Bush Presidential Library and MuseumThe newly renovated George Bush Presidential Library & Museum in College Station is a clear highlight of a Texas tour, and a look into the life of the former president. Enjoy old movies of the family shot when father Prescott Bush was running for senator in 1950. Another exhibit shows scenes of what was happening in history as George grew up in the 1930s. Barbara Bush’s family and her history are also well-represented. You’ll be charmed by their love story. Moving on to his service in WWII, you can see a real Avenger like the one that Bush flew. There’s even a photo of him being pulled out of the water when his plane was shot down. Open the drawers in the CIA exhibit, have your hand “scanned.” Read letters sent to Bush and see itineraries of his trips. It’s a fascinating look into the life of the George Herbert Walker Bush.Blue Bell Ice Cream Tour (and Tasting)Take a tour of the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory and enjoy the tasty samples. Any place with the motto we eat all we can and we sell the rest deserves a visit. You’ll get to see the plant in operation, but you’ll also get to sample their yummy ice cream in their old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Their Homemade Vanilla is one of the perennial favs since 1969 – it is excellent. But then, so are their other flavors.International Festival Institute at Round TopThe grounds are lovely (and you can picnic there as well), the building is a work of art in handcrafted oak, cypress, birch, walnut and poplar, with eye-fooling faux marble. An estimated 5 million screws hold the building together, not nails. Although known for their acclaimed concert series, Festival Institute runs events and activities all year long. Their gardens are a lesser known but very special place. With 1900 + trees not only pines and oaks but cork trees, cinnamon trees, even allspice trees. There are special themed gardens including one that highlights medicinal plants.
Chappell HillOnce a thriving town with two colleges, today it has only about 250 full-time residents, although it is the weekend home to Houston families who want to escape to the country. But tiny Chappell Hill maintains a sense of a slightly derelict yet fascinating and oddly prosperous small town. It is also the site of the oldest bank still in its original location that has never closed. The Chappell Hill Bank opened in September, 1907 and successfully weathered the Depression. The bank today is not only a financial institution but a time capsule – walk into history complete with original pictures and maps. And the old building still charms.Downtown BrenhamOn the cusp of rising, committed to revitalizing their downtown, stroll through the heart of Brenham. It is the true center of town – where people come to shop visit and chat. There are antique shops, restaurants and fun shops surrounding Courthouse Square and its side streets. Stop in the doll hospital – Lil Angels Dolls & Doll Repair – and if you’re a fan of Ginny dolls, you’ll feel right at home. Today and Yesterday Antiques is located in the historic Brenham Opry House which was built in 1876. For Euro-country home decor in an award-winning commercial interior stop by Beadboard Upcountry . There's also the Unity Theatre .Monastery Miniature Horses
For a special treat visit Monastery Miniature Horses, in Brenham. Owned and operated
by the Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns and open to the public, the contemplative nuns support themselves in part by breeding and selling American Miniature
Horse Association registered horses. The diminutive equines are under 36 inches tall and impossibly cute. The self-guided tour of the horse areas is
the highlight. Check the hours before you go.
Want more? -- Alpacas, wine, lavender, gin mill, and a carouselFor another kind of cute visit American Alpacas where these wooly mammals are raised for their soft and water repellent fiber.Pleasant Hill Winery and Windy Hill Winery both offer tours and tasting. Just north of Chappell Hill weekends from March to October, the Chappell Hill Lavender Farm is open for cuttings. Walk in beauty at the Antique Rose Emporium. Not only are their gorgeous roses, but the landscaping and gardens are truly beautiful. Burton Farmers Gin Museum, in Burton showcases the cotton gin that revolutionized the production of cotton and a surviving cotton gin, still operating on the original site, in the original building and even with the original equipment. Volunteers restored the 1925 Bessemer twin engine that still powers the gin. Brenham’s antique carousel was built by the C W Parker Amusement Company (with Herschell-Spillman horses) sometime between 1985 and 1906, but it has found its home in Brenham since 1932. When I visited, the carousel was in storage awaiting the renovation of the round house in Fireman’s Park. But it is expected to open shortly. Call the City of Brenham at (979) 836-7911to check.
Bluebonnet TrailWhen these delicate deep blue flowers carpet the meadows it’s a perfect time to take to the back roads and enjoy the blooms. The sprinkling of vibrant orange Indian paintbrush are a perfect counterpoint. The show only lasts from about mid-March to mid-April but it makes a great reason to schedule a Texas trip. You can download a brochure showing you the official trail and keep up with the status of the state flower at BrenhamTexas.comOne of the best spot is Old Baylor Park. Not only are the flowers gorgeous but the ruins of Old Baylor make a lovely backdrop. There are also picnic tables, and children’s play area. For More Information For more information on visit Washington County contact the Washington County Chamber of Commerce by phone at (979) 836-3695 or visit BrenhamTexas.com |
A state guide provided more history, including how the upstart nation found itself, even before declaring independence, in the midst of a war with Mexico.
Later on, as I walked through the green fields and wild flowers it was hard to believe that this was once a town. But in the early 1840s Washington was
the seat of power – the capital of the Republic and a thriving community.
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