HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Barrington Plantation

Chappell Hill, Washington County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, bought 1,107 acres here from M. Austin Bryan in 1844. This site, named "Barrington" for Jones' birthplace in Massachusetts, was the "White House of Texas" from 1844-46. By 1845 Jones had built two dwellings, a kitchen, office, smokehouse, and stables. After Jones' leadership in the annexation of Texas to the U.S. in 1846, he retired here to become a gentleman farmer. Other buildings were added in 1847. Jones sold the plantation in 1857. The house was moved to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park in 1936.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1844 Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, bought this land and named it "Barrington" for his Massachusetts birthplace, making it in effect the "White House of Texas" during his 1844–46 presidency. After leading Texas into annexation with the United States, Jones retired here as a gentleman farmer; the surviving house was later moved to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park.

Why it matters

Barrington was the seat of the last chief executive of an independent Texas, the place from which Jones presided over the Republic's momentous merger into the United States.

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Related people

  • · Anson Jones
  • · M. Austin Bryan

Related events

  • · Annexation of Texas

Themes & tags

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