The Birthplace of Texas
The little settlement of 100 had grown up around Andrew Robinson’s ferry at the La Bahia crossing on the Brazos. The original settlement was called La Bahia. Due to the commercial potential, land changed hands, and soon the Washington Town Company was established. Dr. Asa Hoxey, a former resident of Washington, Georgia, named the new town after his hometown.
Creating a Nation
A north’r whistled through the cracks. The unfinished assembly hall was offered to the Texas delegates without charge. The only barrier to the cold that blasted its way in, — through windows with no glass and a doorway with no door — was cotton sheets stretched across the openings.
The town’s resources were stretched to the limits. There was not enough room at the Inn. Families took some of the delegates into their homes, while others doubled up, and some slept on the floor. We can feel their pain, but nothing compared to the suffering 160 miles SW in a famous mission that most of us know as the Alamo.
Sam Houston did not have the resources to send an adequate force to defend the Alamo. He sent Colonel James Bowie to the Alamo with 30 men to remove the artillery and destroy the complex. Bowie could not find the draft animals needed for transport. Col. Travis and Bowie began to plan a defense against the approaching Mexican army led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
Meanwhile, back in Washington, on March 1, 1836, delegates from across Texas gathered to create a nation. On March 2nd independence was declared. On the 17th the delegates fled. The valiant defense of the Alamo had been crushed. Santa Anna had shown no mercy.
Washington on the Brazos
The State of Texas initially bought 50 acres of the old town site and built a replica of the assembly hall. Over the years, the State acquired more of the site. It sits on an enchanting piece of property next to the Brazos River — a mere stone’s throw from where the Navasota River joins the Brazos — beckoning you to take stroll.
State Rally
Well buckaroos, if you get your Folly near the first of the month, it is not too late to make plans to attend the State Rally. I hope to see you there!
Until then;
ride often, ride hard and ride safe, but mostly ...
ride often, ride hard and ride safe, but mostly ...
