Nestled along the scenic banks of the Brazos River, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site invites you to step back in time and explore the birthplace of the Lone Star State. Prepare to embark on a memorable journey through Texas history.
Parking and Accessibility
The complex has ample parking at each site and the picnic area to include school buses, commercial buses, and RVs. Dedicated handicapped accessible spots are conveniently located near the entrance of each site.
Star of the Republic Museum
Currently Closed for Renovation
Barrington Plantation
Visitors will have an opportunity to experience life in early Texas with a tour of Barrington Plantation, home of Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. Discover the sights, sounds, and smells of life on a small cotton plantation in 1850. Learn about farm chores such as plowing, feeding the chickens, working in the garden, cooking on an open hearth, or picking cotton. Life at Barrington changes with the seasons, so you will always find something new! Self-guided tours are approximately one hour, allotted to see everything. The plantation is open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Plantation is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Please note: For visitor and staff safety, whenever inclement weather (thunder and lightning) is present, Barrington Plantation will close and remain closed for 30 minutes after the last episode of thunder or lightning.
Independence Hall and Townsite
With a guided tour of Independence Hall, visitors will learn about the beginnings of the Republic of Texas, the convention of the provisional government of 1836, and the Texas Declaration of Independence. Tours leave from the Visitor Center and progress to a replica of Independence Hall on the old Washington Townsite. Tours last approximately 40 minutes and involve walking about 100 yards. Seating is available inside Independence Hall and the building is wheelchair accessible.
Tour Times:
Weekdays: Tours for the public are offered Wednesday–Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. unless scheduled groups of 20 or more persons are touring at those times. Visitors may call ahead (936-878-2214 ext. 222) and check with the Visitor Center, or inquire upon arrival regarding the availability of public tours for that day. No reservations are necessary for public tours on weekends: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Visitor Center/Museum Store
The Visitor Center is currently closed for renovation. Ticket Sales, Visitor Orientation and the Gift Shop are located in the temporary building in the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
Group Tours
For groups of adults, please visit our Scheduled Adult Tour Information Page. For information about student tours, please visit our School Program Options.