Faith Academy third graders in Ms. Guardia’s class recently had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Texas history during a field trip to Washington on the Brazos State Park and Barrington Farms. This educational journey allowed students to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of their home state.
At Washington on the Brazos, the students began their adventure on the Independence Trail, which winds through the original site of “Old Washington.” They learned that this historic town was home to over 2,000 residents from the 1820s until the end of the Texas War for Independence in 1836. As they strolled along “Ferry Street” and took in views from the river overlook, they discovered how the Brazos River Ferry boats were once the hub of the town’s transportation network.
The highlight of the visit was climbing the final hill to Independence Hall, where students experienced a glimpse into life during the town’s peak. Inside the hall, they learned about the collaboration of Texas Founding Fathers during their quest for independence in March of 1836. Despite facing unseasonably cold temperatures that year, the men worked diligently to draft the Texas Declaration of Independence, which was officially adopted on March 2, 1836. Just weeks later, victory was secured in the Texas War for Independence at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.
After their time at Independence Hall, the students crossed over to Barrington Farms, the former plantation home of Dr. Anson Jones. As a first-generation Texas homesteader, Dr. Jones was a medical doctor and statesman who served as the last president of the Republic of Texas from 1844 to 1846. The third graders toured his charming dog-trot style home, learning about its architectural advantages for warm summers and mild winters, which helped keep the interior cool and breezy.
The students discovered how Dr. Jones’ children were educated at home and what their leisure activities entailed. They also participated in hands-on activities, such as helping to wash clothes and harvesting vegetables from the garden. The tour included important discussions about the plantation’s history, including the fact that it once relied on enslaved labor until the end of the American Civil War. The students, who have been studying slavery in Colonial America, found this part of the tour particularly enlightening and engaging.
At Barrington Farms, the third graders met a team of oxen used for plowing the fields and observed a demonstration of how these animals work together. They were then given a chance to pick cotton, experiencing firsthand the labor involved in this historical agricultural practice. The tour concluded with a visit to the farm’s pigs and piglets, descendants of the original Spanish swine breeds brought to Texas when it was part of Mexico.
Overall, the field trip to Washington on the Brazos State Park and Barrington Farms provided an enriching experience filled with fun and learning, leaving the third graders with lasting memories of Texas history. It was truly a day to remember!
