Celebrate our nation’s independence at the very place where we celebrate Texas’ independence in 1836—at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site. This is “Where Texas Became Texas” in 1836. It was March 2, 1836, when 59 delegates bravely met at Washington, Texas, to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico.
Presented by H-E-B and coordinated by the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association, the annual 4th of July celebration at this 293-acre state park includes a day filled with family activities from 10am to 10pm on Tuesday, July 4.
Highlights of the celebration are the free music concert by Wesley Westbrook from 7 to 9pm in the park’s amphitheater, followed by a fireworks extravaganza beginning at approximately 9:30pm. KTEX/KWHI will broadcast patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display.
Buses will run constantly from 1 to 10pm to shuttle guests to the different areas of the park, at no charge. Food and craft vendors will offer a variety of items for sale throughout the event. H-E-B will give away free sodas in the afternoon, near the Visitor’s Center. Blue Bell will give out free ice cream cups (vanilla, chocolate, chocolate sundae and birthday cake flavors) from 5 to 7pm, as well. As always, admission to the park and parking is free.
Regular admission fees apply for Independence Hall (the site in 1836 where the representatives met to write the declaration of independence); the Star of the Republic Museum (collections honoring the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans; administered by Blinn College); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, talk, work and farm as the earliest residents of the original farmstead did).
“Now is the perfect time to join the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association so you, your children or grandchildren, and visitors can explore this Texas treasure inexpensively—and often,” says Cyndee Smith, president of the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association. “If you join now, you will be invited to a private ‘members-only’ fireworks-viewing reception on the second-floor veranda of the Star of the Republic Museum. But don’t wait that long: your membership brings you discounted or free access to all the park amenities, and start now to keep Texas history alive, so all generations understand our strong heritage and traditions.”
Visitors can bring picnics, blankets, lawn chairs, and flashlights. State park rules apply; alcohol prohibited. Contact Jon Failor at (936) 878-2214 ext. 224 or Jon.Failor@tpwd.texas.gov for more information. This event is made possible by H-E-B, Brenham National Bank, Brenham KTEX 106 Sounds Like Texas, KWHI 1280, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Del Sol Food Company-Briannas, Germania Insurance, Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), the Star of the Republic Museum/Blinn College, and the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association.
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is found on the Brazos River at the original town site of Washington, Texas, a major political and commercial center in early Texas. It is located at 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880—approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105. From Hwy. 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12. For additional information, call (936) 878-2214 or visit www.wheretexasbecametexas.org.
