Discovering Washington-on-the-Brazos, birthplace of Texas

Archaeologists conclude a $51 million excavation project at Washington-on-the-Brazos, uncovering relics of Texas’ birthplace, including Houston’s presidential office

Archaeologists are on a quest to uncover the remnants of Washington-on-the-Brazos, famously dubbed the “birthplace of Texas,” as part of a $51 million endeavor. Situated along the Brazos River in Washington County, Texas, this small town gained historical significance for hosting the Convention of 1836 and witnessing the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence during the Texas Revolution. Despite formally establishing the Republic of Texas, the declaration failed to garner recognition from other governments or nations.

Over time, Washington-on-the-Brazos experienced a decline attributed to inadequate transportation links and competition from neighboring towns and cities. Consequently, the populace began migrating to Brenham or Navasota, gradually abandoning the town in the late 1800s.

Recently, archaeologists wrapped up a meticulous $51 million excavation project along the La Bahia Road, the primary thoroughfare traversing the town from Goliad to Nacogdoches. Utilizing tax records and official documents, researchers pinpointed the former locations of buildings. Employing geophysical methods to detect subterranean anomalies, they prepared for exploratory digs.

This extensive effort yielded remarkable findings, including the footprint of Houston’s presidential office, a modest 16-by-16-foot structure adorned with various relics such as nails, buttons, ceramics, and window glass. Additionally, archaeologists unearthed the brick flooring of a 19th-century house and remnants of an old brick hearth.

The excavation yielded over 10,000 artifacts, ranging from the mundane to the intriguing, such as a key to a gold pocket watch, gun flints, buttons from military uniforms, and even an 1831 U.S. dime.

In a statement released by the Texas Historical Commission, tasked with overseeing the site, plans are underway to recreate several buildings from the town along the La Bahia Road. These faithful recreations aim to provide visitors with an immersive experience, enabling them to step back in time and explore the architectural legacy of Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Source: Newsroom