Breaking Away
For a refreshing spring break, say good-bye to beach-party madness and spend some time with nature.
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In 1893 the State Prison System began construction on the Texas State Railroad, which was to be used to transport iron ore and wood from the Piney Woods to the iron-smelting furnace at Rusk's East Texas State Penitentiary. The 32-mile railroad was completed when it reached Palestine in 1906. Prison crews worked on the trains until 1921, when the state discontinued the train service. On July 4, 1976, in honor of the nation's bicentennial, the Texas State Railroad State Historical Park opened. Now the public can ride one of eight steam- or diesel-powered locomotives from Rusk or Palestine state parks and get a taste of the Age of Steam.
Every weekend after March 9, passengers can buy their tickets ($15 per adult, children 3—12 $9, children under 3 free) and board at Rusk State Park (reservations are recommended, call 903-683-2561). The first train leaves from the Rusk depot at 11 a.m. and returns from the Palestine depot at 3 p.m. The 25-mile ride takes you across 24 bridges and through the scenic East Texas woods. The train itself is worth investigating, so be sure to visualize life in the twenties as you roam from compartment to compartment. About an hour and a half later, you'll reach the other station, where you can picnic and explore until you board the train to go back to Rusk depot.
In case you are returning to either state park, Rusk, which is three miles west of the town of Rusk on U.S. 84, offers water and electricity hookups ($10 a night) at its campsites, as well as a fifteen-acre lake. For the more daring campers, Palestine, three miles east of the town of Palestine on U.S. 84, has water-only campsites and restrooms without showers. The parks are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (daily fee for both parks is $2 per adult, children 12 and under free). RVs and motorized camping allowed. For more information, call 903/683-5126 or 800-442-8951 or log on to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/rusk/.
WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS STATE HISTORICAL PARK
The closest thing to adventure you will find at Washington-on-the-Brazos is the drive there. While the rustic scenery is beautiful, the series of skinny farm-to-market roads proved intimidating for my Toyota Camry. But once you arrive at this small unassuming state park, time stands still. Washington, where you can see the birthplace of Texas, is a day's delight for the avid state historian. The historic trail begins at Independence Hall, where municipal delegates gathered to declare Texas independent from Mexico in March 1836. Continuing down the trails through the extinct town of Washington, you walk down what was once Ferry Street, which is now surrounded by mesquite, brush, and weeds. Looking out at the wild environment, posted signs tell you where homes and businesses stood 150 years ago. It is strangely eerie as you walk down to the Brazos overlook where a ferry used to take travelers across the river. Back then, Washington was a commercial boomtown for the cotton industry. But in the late 1850's, the railroads bypassed the town, sentencing it to a slow death. Washington-on-the-Brazos got an extra boost as a state park when the Star of the Republic Museum opened in 1970, soon followed by the establishment of the Barrington Living History Farm. The visitors' center offers a trail tour at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. every day ($4 per adult, students $2, children 6 and under free), or you can be your own guide. The Star of the Republic Museum takes you through the Republic's history, from Indians and Spanish missions to the Texas Rangers. A twenty-minute film narrated by adopted- Texan Bill Moyers focuses on the battle for the Republic and life after independence from Mexico. The interactive wing is more for the little ones, but between the brand stamps and the colonial toys, my friend and I had a blast despite our age. Also, don't forget to cast your vote for or against the annexation of Texas into the United States. You don't have to be registered to vote. Check out the bathroom walls for some instruction on how to be a proper lady and gentleman in the 1800's. The second floor of the museum will open March 1, with a new exhibit, "A Social and Cultural Interpretation of the Republic of Texas." The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily ($2 per adult, students $1, children 6 and under free).
Just down the road is a visual guide to life during the Texas Republic. The Barrington Farm was the residence of Anson Jones, the last president of Texas. The slaves' quarters, barn, pigpen, smokehouse, and kitchen were replicated on the farm, and the authentic home was moved to the portion of the property called the Living Farm. Experience everyday life in the 1850's as you chase piglets and the yard chickens chase you. If you run into a farmer's wife quilting on the front porch or cooking cobbler in the kitchen, you are not hallucinating. She is a park employee and in charge of the house and the kitchen. The men are in charge of the livestock and the planting. They will answer any questions you have, or they may share a recipe, show you how to make candles and soap (they perform demonstrations every day but call ahead to get a list of scheduled events), or reveal how they do their nineteenth century laundry. All of these activities and more are guaranteed on March 2, Texas Independence Day, when the farm really comes alive. Barrington Farm is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $4 per adult, students $2, and children under 6 free. For more information, call 936/878-2214 or log on to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/washingt or starmuseum.org.
Here are some helpful tips from Texas Parks and Wildlife to make your trip more enjoyable:
1. Make reservations now. Call 512-389-8900 or book online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us. The first night's facility fee is required as a deposit.
2. Take sunscreen and bug repellent as well as sweaters and coats. Always be prepared for inclement weather.
3. Bring firewood. You are not allowed to collect wood from the parks.
4. Take a map. In the parks and sometimes on the way to them, it is easy to get lost and even harder to be found.
5. If you go to the parks often, get a Texas Conservation passport ($50 for a year). It waives the daily fees for a carload of people.
6. Public consumption and display of alcohol are prohibited. The park determines how strictly it is enforced. A good rule to follow is, Don't be obvious or obnoxious.
7. Don't take boomboxes. It defeats the purpose of being outdoors and can disturb other campers.
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