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9 Remarkable Historical Sites in Brazos Valley
Washington On The Brazos
Located at 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, the picturesque Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located on the Brazos River. The expansive park grounds along the Brazos River provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird-watching. The Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall and Barrington Living History Farm, offer the visitor a unique insight into the lives and times of the men who fought and won Texas’ independence from Mexico.
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Museum Of The American GI
Located at 19124 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845, this museum endeavors to keep the living history of the American Servicemen who proudly served our country and continue to do so today. Experience the awesome power of American fighting machines at the Museum of the American G.I. in the city of College Station. With one of the finest collections of fully restored military vehicles from World War I, World War II, and beyond, the museum offers both up-close encounters with these incredible feats of engineering, as well as insights into the lives of the brave soldiers who rode them into combat. Don’t miss the museum’s annual Living History Weekend, featuring tank and helicopter rides, battle reenactments, swap meet, and more.
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Sanders Corps of Cadets Center
Located at Texas A&M University, 1400 Coke St, College Station, TX 77843, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center is home to a museum that houses thousands of Aggie artifacts and a library with over 3,000 military research volumes. The Sanders Corps of Cadet Center depicts the Corps of Cadets from its beginning in 1876 to today. The exhibits describe the traditions and history of Texas A&M University and include Silver Taps, the Aggie Band, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, the 12th Man, the Ross Volunteers, Aggie Muster, Bonfire, Reveille, Cadet life and an Aggie Ring case. Also housed in the Corps Center is the Metzger -Sanders Antique Firearm Collection.
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Hall Of Honor
Located in the Texas A&M MSC, the building, which serves as the campus’ student union, was dedicated in 1951 to all Aggies killed in action. The eight Aggie recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military award for bravery — are also honored through a permanent display showcased inside the MSC. The names and likenesses of those former students are commemorated in the Hall of Honor. The Aggies Lost in Service Memorial at the east end of the hall lists the names of Aggies who have died in past wars.
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Bonfire Memorial
Located at Texas A&M University, History Walk / Spirit Ring, College Station, TX 77843, the Bonfire Memorial embodies many layers of meaning associated with the Aggie Spirit—a deep sense of belonging, a strong spirit of teamwork and leadership and an enduring sense of tradition that unites thousands. On November 18, 2004, the Bonfire Memorial opened on schedule and in pouring rain. Today, the site is frequently visited by individuals who leave flowers or mementos at the Centerpole marker. According to Shemwell, “People now have candlelight vigils at 2 a.m. in the fog,” as they reflect upon loss, school spirit, and tradition. I would say this is hands down the most moving monument in the county. Looking for lunch right off campus? Layne’s Chicken is right across Texas Ave and is a College Station favorite.
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Located at 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845, get an in-depth, interactive look at eight years of presidential history at America’s 13th presidential library and museum. Explore important issues and events of the administration of President George W. Bush as framed by four themes: freedom, opportunity, compassion and responsibility. Exhibits are constantly changing, so you can always come back for more. Extend your visit with a stroll through the 15-acre Native Texas Park and take home a piece of the presidency from the Museum Store.
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The Queen Theatre
Located at 110 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, the Queen operated as a movie theatre from 1939 to the mid 1970’s. The Downtown Bryan Association purchased the Queen in 2010 and began to revive the iconic building. The Queen Theatre reopened May 4, 2018 as a single screen film house and performance venue. The Queen also houses the Downtown Bryan Association offices, a Downtown Bryan visitor’s center in the lobby and is available to rent for private events. While you are exploring downtown Bryan, make sure to stop in All the King’s Men for some of the best BBQ in town.
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Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Located at 3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan, TX 77802, the Museum strives to stimulate understanding of the dynamic relationships between the people and their natural environment and to encourage responsible stewardship of all natural resources. The focus of the Museum is science and natural and cultural history. Galleries include: fossil exhibits, sculptures, antique farming and survey equipment, a discovery room with more than fifteen varieties of live animals, dozens of taxidermy mounts, educational resources and several rotating exhibits. Through activities at the Museum and through outreach to schools and other community organizations, the Museum teaches respect and appreciation for the region’s natural and cultural history.
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Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Park
Located at 3101 Harvey Rd, College Station, TX 77845, Tucked away in College Station’s Veterans Park and Athletic Complex at 3101 Harvey Road is a hidden gem – a 12-acre site dedicated to veterans from our nation’s wars. The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial includes life-sized statues, a Wall of Honor, interpretive panels and memorial sites. I dare say there isn’t another memorial park in the US other than in Washington, D.C. as well-done as this one. It’s must-see for anyone passing through this area if the red, white, and blue flows through your veins.
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