Washington-on-the-Brazos-State-Historic-Site
People revere Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site as the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Thereafter, despite great personal risk, the delegates continued meeting until they had drafted a constitution and established the new nation’s first lasting government.
Picturesque Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located on the Brazos River. Expansive park grounds provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird-watching. The Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall and Barrington Plantation offer the visitor a unique insight into the lives and times of the men who fought and won Texas’ independence from Mexico.
Conference center provides a beautiful view of the park. Glass doors, windows and patio overlook the historic grounds and provide a perfect location for receptions, rehearsal dinners and weddings. Maximum capacity 400.
Toubin Park
Beneath Brenham streets is a State Archeological Landmark, 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. 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.
TC Ranch Ventures
TC Ranch is a small ranch that offers Horsemanship courses and riding lessons. We plan the program of courses in a very personalized way, according to the needs of our guests.
Hohlt Park
Hohlt Park covers 79.9 acres and offers a 1-mile walking/jogging trail (approx.), 9-holes of disc golf, two playgrounds, three sand volleyball courts, two baseball fields, six softball fields and 11 multi-use fields. In addition, the Dr. Bobbie M. Dietrich Memorial Amphitheater is the setting for outdoor events, and an All Sports Building provides indoor rental space.
Fireman’s Park
From the establishment of Fireman’s Park in 1884, citizens have enjoyed an open space that had been a memorable setting for community affairs as well as family events. In 1884, the Fire Department used its own funds to purchase the site of the Park. The Fire Department eventually gave the Park to the City of Brenham on March 14, 1917 “for cancellation of the department’s indebtedness to the city.” The Park was originally used by the Fire Department for sponsoring the Maifest Celebration from 1881 until 1941. Today, it is still the site for the Maifest Celebration, as well home to Finke Pavilion, the Antique Carousel and the nationally recognized baseball stadium.
Brenham Country Club
The hilly, well-designed 18-hole golf course, along with a fine clubhouse, is a family-oriented club in Brenham. Open to the public by reservation. Brenham Golf & Country Club also has a beautiful banquet room overlooking the golf course that is available for private parties up to 120 people.
Blue Bell Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center is a beautiful three-pool complex composed of an indoor six-lane competition pool, a heated therapy pool and the outdoor leisure pool. Each offers a wide variety of benefits to the community. The Blue Bell Aquatic Center offers a number of programs and swimming classes throughout the year.
Biking in Washington County
Whether you are cycling on a bicycle, ripping up the trails on a mountain bike, or cruising down the country roads on a Harley, Brenham/Washington County has very scenic rides steeped in the history of the Native Americans, early Texas heroes and settlers staking claim in a new land. According to some cyclists, the hills of Chappell Hill can squeeze your training time due to the difficulty levels. A favorite run for motorcyclists is FM 390, otherwise known as La Bahia Trail, a trail that was carved by Native Americans and connects North Texas to San Antonio and Goliad. Washington County welcomes you to blaze your own trail!
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
Antique Carousel
Fully restored, the carousel is one of eight that exist in Texas today and is the only example of a C.W. Parker carousel with Herschell-Spillman horses. Manufactured prior to 1910, it is housed in a unique 16-sided WPA building in the heart of Fireman’s Park. Open weekends March 1-October 31.