“STEP INTO THE PAST” HISTORIC TOURS ADDS NEW LOCATIONS
Step into the Past: Washington County Historic Tours will begin operation this Saturday in Independence, Chappell Hill, Burton and Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site. Historical sites in these towns will be open to the public from 10:00am to 4:00pm every Saturday.
“Last October Step into the Past tours launched in Brenham,” said Sharon Brass, the organizer of the program. “It is a fascinating walking tour of unique Downtown historic attractions. Now a new, similar tourism program takes visitors to additional historic sites around the county.”
“History is very popular among tourists and locals alike,” said Page Michel, President/CEO of the Washington County Chamber Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Since this is where Texas, the nation, began, our county has a very rich heritage.
“Step into the Past Tours bring this heritage to life. Visitors see the lifestyle of Texas’ first settlers. They walk in the footsteps of Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and others who shaped history. There are many interactive experiences and brief movies along the way. Adults are usually delighted, and the tours are also fun for children.”
“Those who want to enjoy all the tours should allow about three days,” said Brass. “A great place to start is the Washington County Visitor Center in Brenham. You can pick-up a free brochure that guides you to all the tours.
“A 25-minute movie, in the adjacent Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, tells the entertaining story of how Washington County and Texas began. This movie is the perfect start for the tours.”
Visitors can also start their tours in Chappell Hill, Burton, Independence or Washington On The Brazos State Historic Site. Each attraction can provide the brochure guides.
“Although the tours around Washington County are not new, like some Brenham tours,” adds Brass, “they are now presented in an easy-to-follow brochure with a map to all sites. This scenic driving tour will be especially memorable to those who follow the historic La Bahia Trail between some of the towns.”
Step into the Past Historic Tours is led by volunteer Sharon Brass, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitor Bureau and Main Street Brenham.
Step into the Past, Washington County Historic Tours includes these attractions:
WASHINGTON ON THE BRAZOS STATE HISTORIC SITE
Star of the Republic Museum: the story of Texas is told through exhibits, tours, events, videos and interactive programs. The new Pioneer Playroom is a simulated frontier homestead demonstrating the lifestyle of Texas’ earliest settlers.
Barrington Living History Farm: the home of Anson Jones, the Texas Republic’s last president, and a 19th century farm where the staff dresses and works the farm as the earliest residents did.
Independence Hall: the place where 59 men, including Sam Houston, risked their lives to meet in 1836 to declare Texas an independent nation, free from Mexican rule.
Visitor Center: the Gallery of the Republic has many exhibits and artifacts of Washington’s role in Texas history, and the Washington Emporium Gift Shop.
Parkland: the expansive 293 acres of beautiful grounds along the Brazos River provide perfect settings for picnics, sightseeing, bird watching and geocaching.
INDEPENDENCE
John P. Coles’ House: this was one of Texas’ earliest homes, built about 1827. It is a good example of how a wealthy family lived on the early Texas frontier.
Texas Baptist Historical Museum: Texas’ oldest continuously operating Baptist Church, organized in 1839. Many historical exhibits are housed here, including artifacts from Sam Houston’s family and baptism.
Dog Trot Cabin: Built in 1839, this was a popular style of homes then. Fully furnished, this house reveals how a working family lived.
Common School: a typical one-room schoolhouse from 19th century Washington County, showing a sharp contrast to today’s schools.
Columns of Old Baylor Park: The ruins of the original Baylor University that opened its doors here in 1846.
CHAPPELL HILL
Chappell Hill Historical Museum: erected in 1927, this was an early rural school house. It has exhibits
and artifacts of Chappell Hill history from its beginnings in 1847.
BURTON
Burton Railroad Depot: a restored 1898 train depot, kept in authentic condition by the Burton Heritage Society.
Texas Cotton Gin Museum: built in 1914, this is home to the oldest operating cotton gin in America. Visitors see exhibits, demonstrations, tours and a gift shop.
The Washington County Visitor Center is at 115 W. Main Street in Brenham. Some tours are free of charge and others charge nominal admission fees.
For more information or to volunteer: http://www.visitbrenhamtexas.com or 979-836-3696.