Washington on the Brazos - Part I

With the recent past 'talks' of all the states rallying to petition to secede from the United States, we became interested in learning more of the history of the Republic of Texas. Now, just my opinion, but I think only one state in the union could actually succeed in becoming its own country once again, and that is Texas. Texas is a rich state, and about the only one in all 50 states that has been keeping their state's budget in the black...no deficits in other words. Of course, we realize that becoming an independent Republic again would be, to say the least, not too smart -with the world's economy- just think, the import tax alone would be exorbitant for the newly formed Republic of Texas as a country in the 21st century; a country of Texas?  Possible but improbable, right? Okay...'nough politicking!! Anyway, we three wanted to drive up and see the historical area in the Hill Country of Texas...to see where Texas became a Republic. An independent country...BEFORE it joined the union as the 28th state in America. Washington on the Brazos is where the composing and signing of the Declaration of Indpendence of R. O. T. came about. Here are some photos of the area....



...all images can be enlarged for better viewing

LEFT: Crossing the Brazos River RIGHT: Entry to Washington on the Brazos

LEFT: Ferry Crossing at the Brazos [scenic view] ---Taking travelers into the town of Washington, Texas RIGHT: Texans used various types of ferries during the 19th century. Robinson's operation probably took advantage of the river's current to take the flat boat from one side of the river to the other.

LEFT: Crossing the Brazos River below its confluence with the Navasota [another nearby river] gave travelers the advantage of fording one river instead of two. On the well-traveled La Bahia Road, this was a natural spot for a ferry. RIGHT: at one point in history, the war with the Mexicans threatened the residents...and flee they did...many used a 'runaway scape'--- TEXANS fled Santa Anna's armies in fear during March of 1836. Their panicked retreat, called the Runaway Scape, was slowed at crossings on rivers, like the Brazos. Delegates and townspeople also quickly abandoned Washington after the convention. Santa Anna's troops passed to the south, however, and did not come into the deserted town.

ON THIS GROUND TEXAS CREATED A NEW NATION, founded in liberty and self-determination. Dissatisfied with the Mexican government after Santa Anna declared himself dictator, the Texas army began fighting Mexican forces in September 1835. When the Convention met here in 1836, most Texans supported independence from Mexico and the formation of a new Republic.

INDEPENDENCE HALL - Washington on the Brazos - Washington, Texas 1836. Within these walls, the Republic of Texas was formed.

Monument dedicated to the independence of the Republic of Texas... "On this spot, was made the Independence of Texas, March 2, 1836."

Also, along with the historical aspect of this now state park/historical area - I enjoyed the scenery!!! The oak trees [not the evergreen live oak- but the red oak], the pine trees, the black walnut with the golden foliage...the ash, the orange trees and the rustle of leaves falling along the pathways...on a cool brisk autumn day, it was enchanting!!

...more to follow with Part II of Washington on the Brazos in an upcoming post; soon.

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