Texas Cotton Gin Museum
The Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas keeps the legacy of cotton alive for all generations; open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Home of the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin – the oldest operating cotton gin in America; tours daily at 10am and 2pm. *Leashed pets allowed
Burton Heritage Society & Railroad Depot
History lives, thanks to the Burton Heritage Society! Since 1973 devoted members have maintained and preserved the Burton Railroad Depot and Mt. Zion Cemetery. Both sites are vital to area history. The depot transports visitors to 1870 when Burton was a terminal on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad while the cemetery honors some of the earliest and more notable inhabitants. Open first Saturday of the month and by appointment.
Barrington Plantation State Historic Site
Travel back in time to 1850 and explore the original home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas. The Jones family lived at the farm for over a decade, building a successful cotton farm with enslaved labor after Texas joined the union. This living history farm is complete with period costumed interpreters using 19th century farming practices for planting, cultivating, harvesting and working with livestock. Explore the sights and smells of farm life and experience the daily lives of those who came 150 years ago.
Located within Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Entrance fees apply. Open Wed-Sun 10am-4:30pm
Historic Masonic Cemetery
Founded in 1853, this country cemetery is the final resting place to many “Texians,” Confederate soldiers, local residents, and the children and grandchildren of Alamo hero William B. Travis. Set on 4 1/4 acres, filled with beautiful trees throughout, the cemetery is open all year.
Glissmann’s Gift Gallery & Historic Drug Store
Glissman’s Gift Gallery is a unique, one-of-a-kind gift and collectible shop. Located in historic Downtown Brenham, in an 1860s two-story masonry building built by J.T. Parnell. Also housing the display of original items from Glissman’s Drug Store.
Belle’s Alley – Freedom Colonies Exhibit
Just steps from Toubin Park in Downtown Brenham, Belle’s Alley tells the powerful, under told stories of the Freedom Colonies established in Washington County between 1865 and 1930 by the formerly enslaved. During a turbulent time in history, these communities proved safety, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to build new lives as freedmen.
Explore how these colonies formed, why they mattered, and the legacy they left behind. As part of the exhibit, enjoy an interactive scavenger hunt that makes history engaging and fun for all ages!
This is a permanent exhibit that is open to the public 24/7.
Independence Visitor Center
Independence Historical Society offers tours of two of the earliest homes in Washington County, as well as a rural one-room schoolhouse. John P. Coles House provides an opportunity to experience Colonial Texas life. Free tours on selected March and April weekends; other times by appointment. Admission fee.
Star of the Republic Museum
Currently closed for renovations.
The Star of the Republic Museum was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by the Texas Historical Commission as a cultural and educational institution. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the material culture of the Texas Republic (1836-1846) and to interpret the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans. The Museum strives to inspire interest, understanding and appreciation of Texas heritage for students, teachers, scholars and the general public through exhibits, tours, programs, web activities, and outreach.
Early Texas Home Tours
We have a walking and driving tour where you can see and learn much more about this historic community. See website for maps and details.
Toubin Park
Beneath Brenham streets is a large system of historic cisterns. The cisterns were built in the late 1800s to store rainwater for public fire fighting. Private cisterns were also abundant throughout early Washington County, used for bathing, drinking and cooking. The large system of public cisterns in early Brenham was a rarity. Enjoy the Wild West story of why these cisterns were built. It’s a tale of an early railroad, a rough Boom Town, and colorful characters who shaped Washington County’s history. Self-guided tours through this historic Downtown Brenham pocket park can be enjoyed any time of the day.