Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Independence Trail Region
Known as the “Birthplace of Texas,” Washington-on-the-Brazos was where delegates declared independence from Mexico in 1836. By the late 19th century, the site lay along routes traveled by Buffalo Soldiers moving between posts in Texas. These soldiers carried forward the legacy of service and sacrifice, adding a new chapter to the story of Texas independence—one that reflected the contributions of African Americans to the defense, infrastructure, and settlement of the state during the frontier era.