Thursday, June 2, 2022 - 10:03am
On June 19, 1865, Union troops in Texas began to enforce the end of slavery following the Civil War. Approximately 250,000 enslaved Black Texans had new legal status.
Among these were people who had been enslaved at Varner-Hogg Plantation in West Columbia and Levi Jordan Plantation in Brazoria, both of which are now THC state historic sites. In this...
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - 4:46pm
By William Polley, Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site Educator
Since Texas’ colonization, people of African descent have been contributing to the state and its history. With their arrival in Texas as early as 1528, African Americans—whether enslaved or free—were instrumental in settling Spanish Texas.
When Texas was part of New Spain, enslaved African...
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 - 12:10pm
It was called “Tejas,” an enormous Mexican territory—far from civilization. Soon, an epic story would be written across this terrain. Battles would be fought and legends would be born. Unspeakable tragedy—and a final, shocking victory.
The Texas Historical Commission hosted "The Birthplace of the Republic of Texas," a digital history webinar on March 2, 2021. Judge Ken Wise,...
Friday, April 29, 2016 - 8:00am
By Angela Pfeiffer, Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
In honor of spring flowers, this month’s artifact is a set of toilet or cologne bottles once owned by Sam Houston. Donated to Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site by Gen. Houston’s descendants, these two white glass bottles are painted with flowers that surround the gilt...
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 - 12:10pm
By Angela Pfeiffer, Varner-Hogg Plantation Curator
Manufactured in Paris, France, by Jean Batiste Dubuc, this mantle clock was produced between 1806 and 1817 as part of a wave of memorabilia memorializing George Washington after his death in 1799. Covered in a type of gilt bronze known as “ormolu,” the clock rests on a rectangular base with bun feet, and is decorated with a centrally...
