Washington County, Texas
Want to talk about Texas history? Washington County is a great place to start. This is where the story of Texas independence came to life. Washington-on-the-Brazos, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, is right here.
The county sits in south-central Texas, roughly halfway between Houston and Austin. Brenham, the county seat, is best known as the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Yum! The scenery is classic Texas, with rolling hills, colorful spring wildflowers, and plenty of live oak trees.
Ranching and farming remain important parts of the local economy, while tourism continues to grow. Visitors come for the history but often stick around for the charming small towns and welcoming communities. Washington County captures a little bit of everything that makes Texas special.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Washington County |
| County Seat | Brenham |
| Population | Approximately 35,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Brenham, Burton, Washington |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 290, State Highway 105 |
| FIPS Code | 48-477 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 715 square miles (709 sq mi land, 6 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Brazos County (North), Grimes County (Northeast), Waller County (East), Austin County (South), Fayette County (Southwest), Lee County (West), Burleson County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°10’N, 96°25’W |
| Etymology | Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States |
| Major Landmarks | Brenham’s Blue Bell Creameries, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site |
