Texas Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate 177 Years of Texas Independence! This is the one weekend a year that there are no entry fees for park sites; Independence Hall, Barrington Living History Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum. Join us and see historic re-enactors, award winning exhibits, period craft demonstrations, book signings, early Texas army encampments and live music.
| When |
Mar 02, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site |
| Contact Phone | (936) 878-2214 |
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site will mark the 177th anniversary of Texas’ Declaration of Independence with a two-day festival featuring music, historic demonstrations and re-enactments on March 2-3. All admission fees will be waived during the celebration weekend. Food vendors selling a variety of festival foods will be on site.
Independence Hall at Washington-on-the-Brazos is the place where representatives of the people of Texas met to decide their fate and all Texans’ future. On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates to the convention listened to George Childress enumerate their grievances against the government of Mexico and the tyrannical rule of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
The delegates were embroiled in a revolution and faced an uncertain future when they met to declare Texas a free and independent republic and created a constitution for the fledgling nation. To honor their sacrifice and dedication, a special commemorative ceremony will open and close Saturday’s and Sunday’s festivities.
Troubadour Craig Toungate will present “In the Shadow of Giants,” a one-man show with original music at 1 p.m., Saturday. The show follows the exploits of Meredith Toungate, Craig’s great-grandfather and Robert Hancock Hunter through the Texas Revolution. Based on letters and journals, the story follows the pair from William B. Travis’ plea for aid at the Alamo through the decisive battle of San Jacinto. Using personal narrative, original songs and guitar accompaniment, “In the Shadow of Giants” weaves a fascinating tale full of human emotion, with drama and humor. An encore presentation is scheduled at 1 p.m., Sunday at the Star of the Republic Museum.
The Star of the Republic Museum’s new exhibit, “The Substance of Life: Texas through the Eyes of Theodore Gentilz,” opens March 2 and continues through May 31, 2013. Gentilz, a Frenchman, came to Texas in 1844 as a surveyor for empresario Henri Castro and helped plat the town of Castroville. He later moved to San Antonio, where his art focused on the everyday life of the indigenous cultures, including Indians, Mexican ranchers and villagers. The exhibit includes 16 oil paintings dating from the mid-19th century.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features three attractions that are open year round: Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between Brenham and Navasota off State Hwy. 105 and FM 1155, approximately one hour northwest of Houston.
Directions and a complete schedule of events will be available prior to the event at www.starmuseum.org and www.birthplaceoftexas.com. Additional information is available at (936) 878-2214.
