Calendar of Events
2009-2010 Independence Hall & Washington townsite Living History Events-
February 27th-28th, 2010 –
Texas Independence Day- March 2nd, 1836 is one of, if not the most important dates in Texas history. The importance of that date is most relevant here at Washington on the Brazos SHS. Washington was the town where Texians declared independence from Mexico and as such is know as the Birthplace of Texas. Come out and spend the weekend visiting with us here at the park. Admission to the park is free and there will be folks demonstrating period crafts, food vendors from all over Texas, period music by local musicians and historic figures on hand to visit with you about the early days of Texas.
February 27th, 2010 –
Who were the Washington Guards?- While most Texans have heard of the garrison of the Alamo and Goliad and of Sam Houston’s army at San Jacinto, most don’t know that there was a militia unit raised right here in Washington during the revolution! In March of 1836, amidst the chaos of the revolution local citizens from Washington were formed into a volunteer unit to serve as part of Sam Houston’s command. The Washington Guards did their duty acting as rear guard for the Runaway Scrape as well as participating in the battle of San Jacinto. Visitors will learn who these men were, what they were fighting for and what became of them after the revolution was over. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11 a.m. and 3p.m.
March 20th, 2010 -
Original Texas Women- An early visitor to Texas once remarked, “Whether she be handsome or homely, accomplished or otherwise, all women made their mark on Texas. “ This program will share stories of the lives of early women settlers, who had connections with the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. They may have been spouses, children, or grandchildren of these early Texas patriots. Drop by Independence Hall and celebrate with us the lives of these original Texas Women. Designed to coincide with Barrington Farm’s event, True Texas Women, this special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.
April 17th, 2010 –
Republic of Texas District Court Day- Washington hosted the district court during the later 1830’s and into the early 1840’s. Notable judge, ranger and Texian icon, R.M. Williamson presided over district court here in Washington during the republic era. It was also here in Washington that Commodore Moore came for his court martial after returning from his adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.
Now almost one hundred and seventy years later the district court will be returning to Washington. Court will convene in Convention Hall and will hear several cases, some based on historic cases while others will be created for the event. Participants in the case from the attorneys to the plaintiffs will be dressed in period clothing and will be conducting the trial based on mid 19th century law in the Republic. Visitors will be encouraged to sit in on the trials and if interested, serve as jurors.
May 15th, 2010 –
Rowdy Loafers and Upstanding Citizens- Texas is full of colorful characters from rough and ready frontiersmen to upstanding citizens. This special program focuses on the clothing and accessories of some of these male character types as well as their manners (or lack thereof), and habits. Visitors will not only get a chance to see what these characters looked like but will also be able to examine some of the typical garments and accessories worn and used by these men. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11 a.m. and 3p.m..
