Washington-on-the-Brazos, birthplace of Texas

On my way to College Station I decided to visit Washington-on-the-Brazos state park. As hard as it is to believe, the town of Washington was a significant crossroads in those days, on the intersection of the La Bahia highway and the Brazos river. Goods were shipped both from and to all parts of the Globe on the Brazos River and there was a ferry across the river at Washington.

Above is Independence hall, where the nation of Texas was born. There was no glass in the windows and the temperature was in the 30’s, so cotton cloth was stretched across the windows to retain the heat. They convened on March 1, 1836 and drafted and approved the Declaration of Independence on March 2nd. By March 17th they had written the constitution and elected the government. On April 22nd the war was over and the nation was born. And some think things move fast today!!

Washington was the first capital of Texas, but amazingly, the railroad bypassed Washington and by 1860 it was essentially deserted and in disrepair. The above shows the area where the town was and the spot on the river where the ferry was located. I visited the cemetery, but near as I can tell there were no famous names there, so apparently the founding fathers didn’t end up here and most of the graves were relatively recent.

I arrived in College Station in time to watch both the men and women’s games, both wins. The men’s team handily beat Winthrop, projected to be a tournament team.

Then today I took an “urban hike” down memory lane. I walked down Texas Ave, through the housing at south gate, around the golf course and to the Bonfire Memorial. I recommend it to anyone; it is really inspiring and revealing about the Aggie Spirit.

Later I visited the old engineering building, north gate and Freebirds, a new tradition. Then it was on to Sul Ross (Soldier, Statesman, Knightly Gentleman), the student center, University Bookstore and through G. Rollie White coliseum and intramural areas. Next, it was past the home of the University, the Corps dorms and back through south gate again.

Speaking of Southgate, I spotted this house with a tree through the roof. Seems no matter where you go, there are interesting things to see.