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Barrington Living History Farm
Barrington Farm
Anson Jones farmed near Washington during and after his presidency. Jones named his farm "Barrington" after his Massachusetts home, Great Barrington. There he lived with wife Mary, their four children, his sister, sister-in-law, and five slaves. The family home, two slave cabins, a kitchen building, smokehouse, cotton house and barn made up Barrington Farm.
The economy of the farm relied upon the work of the five slaves. Entries that Jones himself made in his daybook show the variety of the tasks, the efforts of the slaves, and ongoing nature of farm work. His words reflect a sense of good fortune and delight in the bounty of his farm.
March 1847
Peach and plum trees commenced blossoming this week. Continued planting corn on the east side of the field, Jerry and Mary breaking up cotton land with Oxen.
June 1850
Cucumbers from the garden & roasting ears from the corn field in abundance.
August 1852
Cotton opening freely, weather favorable all hands picking & at the rate of between two and three bales pr week.
November 1855
Set out Bermuda grass in S.E Quarter of the House Yard. Finished gathering corn crop of 2000 bushels. Finished picking Cotton. Dug Sweet Potatoes in house field.
December 1856
Finished the year at Barrington, superintending my farm & the education of the younger children.
Barrington Living History Farm
With Jones's daybook as their guide, the interpreters at Barrington Living History Farm conduct themselves much as did the earliest residents of the original farmstead. The Jones home is original; the outbuildings are replicas constructed by Texas Parks and Wildlife using Jones's own journal and drawings.
Step into the lives of Barrington Farm's earliest residents. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the 19th century. The scene is complete with heritage breeds of livestock. Interpreters, dressed in period style clothing, help visitors better understand what life was like 150 years ago.
You are encouraged to participate in the work of the farm and become a part of the exhibit. Learn how to drive oxen, help plant and harvest crops, and try your hand at spinning or making soap. Explore the farm and experience the daily lives of those who came before.
Anson Jones farmed near Washington during and after his presidency. Jones named his farm "Barrington" after his Massachusetts home, Great Barrington. There he lived with wife Mary, their four children, his sister, sister-in-law, and five slaves. The family home, two slave cabins, a kitchen building, smokehouse, cotton house and barn made up Barrington Farm.
The economy of the farm relied upon the work of the five slaves. Entries that Jones himself made in his daybook show the variety of the tasks, the efforts of the slaves, and ongoing nature of farm work. His words reflect a sense of good fortune and delight in the bounty of his farm.
March 1847
Peach and plum trees commenced blossoming this week. Continued planting corn on the east side of the field, Jerry and Mary breaking up cotton land with Oxen.
June 1850
Cucumbers from the garden & roasting ears from the corn field in abundance.
August 1852
Cotton opening freely, weather favorable all hands picking & at the rate of between two and three bales pr week.
November 1855
Set out Bermuda grass in S.E Quarter of the House Yard. Finished gathering corn crop of 2000 bushels. Finished picking Cotton. Dug Sweet Potatoes in house field.
December 1856
Finished the year at Barrington, superintending my farm & the education of the younger children.
Barrington Living History Farm
With Jones's daybook as their guide, the interpreters at Barrington Living History Farm conduct themselves much as did the earliest residents of the original farmstead. The Jones home is original; the outbuildings are replicas constructed by Texas Parks and Wildlife using Jones's own journal and drawings.
Step into the lives of Barrington Farm's earliest residents. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the 19th century. The scene is complete with heritage breeds of livestock. Interpreters, dressed in period style clothing, help visitors better understand what life was like 150 years ago.
You are encouraged to participate in the work of the farm and become a part of the exhibit. Learn how to drive oxen, help plant and harvest crops, and try your hand at spinning or making soap. Explore the farm and experience the daily lives of those who came before.