Road Trip: Gamblers, horse racers, and sports of all classes – Horse racing in Washington-on-the-Brazos

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Money is changing hands in Washington. Washington-on-the-Brazos, that is; the state historical site about an hour west of The Woodlands. This Saturday, November 14, visitors to the site will cheer on five exhibition horse races at a 19th-century race day that brings plenty of action on and off the track.

This year’s event will feature races on the track at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of race day, with period games like faro, refreshments, and wagon rides by Iron Horse Guest Ranch. Kids will be able to stage their own competition with stick horse races.

As part of a new partnership with the Texas Racing Commission, Racing Steward Darline Knight will be giving talks throughout the day about the modern horse racing industry in Texas.

Visit the Barrington Family History Farm

While you’re at the site, travel back in time to 1850 and explore the original home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last President of the Republic of Texas. The Jones family lived at the farm for over a decade, building a successful cotton farm with enslaved labor after Texas joined the union. This living history farm is complete with period costumed interpreters using 19th century farming practices for planting, cultivating, harvesting, and working with livestock. Explore the sights of farm life and experience the daily lives of those who came 150 years ago.

About Washing-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site

People revere Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site as the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. Thereafter, despite great personal risk, the delegates continued meeting until they had drafted a constitution and established the new nation’s first lasting government. The expansive grounds provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing, and birdwatching, while the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Living History Farm offer the visitor a unique insight into the lives of the people who established the Republic of Texas.

The park is located at 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880. For more information, contact Tynan Shadle at tynan.shadle@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 ext. 224.