Hutchison joins Texans in Independence fest
Last updated 1/18/2011 at Noon
From Staff Report - TheRecordLive
WASHINGTON, Texas – Close to a thousand historical re-enactors and
descendants of the original signers of the Texas Declaration of
Independence, including special guest U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison,
are expected to gather on the banks of the Brazos River next month to
celebrate the 175th anniversary of the state’s independence.
The free, two-day festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 26-27 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site to celebrate the birth of the Republic of Texas.
Sen. Hutchison, who will speak at the Sunday afternoon commemorative
program in the park’s amphitheater, is a descendant of declaration
signer Charles Taylor. Taylor was one of 59 men who attended the
Independence Convention March 1-17, 1836, in an unfinished frame
building in the heart of a growing Texas colony seeking independence
from Mexico.
Highlighting the program, which kicks off at 1 p.m. with music from a
contingent of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band, will be the dramatic roll
call of each of the declaration signer’s names. A black powder salute by
the Texas Army will follow. At 3 p.m., a giant, 72-panel reproduction
of the original painting, “Reading of the Texas Declaration of
Independence,” created in 1936 by Charles and Fanny Normann, will be
unveiled. When complete, the segments painted a number of different
artists, will be assembled to create a reproduction of the painting
three times the original size. Afterwards, the traditional Texas-sized
birthday cake will be sliced and served.
Throughout the day on Saturday, park visitors will be able to witness
a re-enactment of key moments of the convention, including the arrival
of Texian Col. William Travis’ famous letter announcing the siege of the
Alamo, as well as the reading and signing of the Declaration of
Independence.
“Texans and others who seek a better understanding of the state’s
unique legacy should visit this year during the annual celebration,”
says Scott McMahon, the park’s lead historic interpreter. “This is our
175th birthday at the place where Texas was born and the last capital of
the Republic of Texas.”
McMahon will portray Daniel Boone McMahon, a pioneer who lived just
across the Brazos River from the pre-Republic burg of Washington. His
relative joined the Washington Guards, a local militia that acted as the
rear guard for Texian Gen. Sam Houston during the Runaway Scrape and
fought during the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.
The two-day celebration at the 293-acre park along the Brazos River
transports visitors back to the time when Texas was a sovereign nation.
Costumed re-enactors and members of the Texas Army, along with skilled
craftsmen and talented musicians, fill the park as the Lone Star State
commemorates its inception. Re-enactors portraying statesmen of the era,
such as Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, will be on hand to explain
the importance of Texas independence. On both days, vendors will be
selling food and drinks.
Both Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be able to enjoy a
performance of “The Texas Convention: The Birth of a Republic,” by the
Navasota Theater Alliance in the park amphitheater.
During the weekend, park visitors will be able to stop in at a river
overlook campsite and experience a slice of what daily life was like for
those who volunteered to fight for Texas independence as a member of
the Texian Army. There also will be small arms and artillery firing
demonstrations at the overlook and the Washington House behind the Star of the Republic program.
The museum will be opening its news exhibit, “Fifty-nine for Freedom,”
that explores the contributions of each delegate through various
artifacts and historical documents.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features three
attractions that are open year round: Independence Hall, the Star of the
Republic Museum and the Barrington Living History Farm. The event is
made possible through funding from the Washington-on-the-Brazos State
Park Association, Exxon/Mobil Corporation and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between
Brenham and Navasota off State Hwy. 105 and FM 1155, approximately one
hour northwest of Houston. For directions or more information, call
(936) 878-2214.
A schedule of other upcoming Texas 175th anniversary events, such as
the San Jacinto Day Festival and Battle Reenactment on April 16, are
available at: http://txindependence175.org.
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