Barrington Living History Farm (US)

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site encompasses 290 acres and was created in 1916. Barrington Living History Farm is a recreated 1850s Brazos valley cotton plantation. The centrepiece of the farm is the 1844 home of Dr Anson Jones, last President of the Republic of Texas. The Anson Jones home is the original structure built in 1844 and was moved to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site as part of the Texas Centennial Celebration in 1936. The outbuildings were recreated based on typical Texas architecture of the mid-19th century and information found in Dr. Jones’ journals, diaries and account books. They represent the lifestyle of the Jones family and the slaves who lived and worked there. The collections of buildings, furnishings, household items and tools include many antiques and replicas which are vital in telling the Jones story.

Through domestic, agricultural and social interpretative programs, a trip to Barrington Living History Farm will examine and demonstrate how families lived and worked. The presence of costumed staff and hands-on activities transports the visitor back to life as it was in the mid-19th century for a family of upper middle class means.
You will encounter costumed interpreters conducting themselves much like the people on the original Barrington Farm. Feel free to ask questions and take part in the same daily chores and the seasonal activities which allowed the Jones family and their slaves to survive during the latter years of the Republic of Texas and during early statehood. The changes of season bring on new activities, allowing the visitor to experience and understand what life was like on Barrington Farm over 150 years ago.

Text source: Barrington Living History Farm
Photo by Stuart Seeger from College Station, Texas, USA - Anson Jones House, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2258390