Contact Information
P.O. Box 696
West Columbia, TX 77486
979-345-4656
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park is 65 acres, along Varner Creek, 50 miles south of Houston in Brazoria County. The park was donated to the state in 1957 by Miss Ima Hogg, daughter of the early-day governor, and was dedicated/opened on March 24, 1958, the 107th birthday of Governor James S. Hogg. The completely furnished old plantation manor was the home of Governor James S. Hogg. It pictures colonial life in the early days of Texas (1835-50), established by Martin Varner, member of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred." The park is located on Varner Creek, which was used to transport sugar to market from the sugar mill once located on the site. The first rum distillery in Texas was established in 1829 by Varner.
The San Jacinto Festival brings visitors a unique blend of educational programs and fun-filled activities. During the festival, the park develops "A Texas History Day," complete with a living history village and tours of the Plantation House. Downtown West Columbia boasts a variety of activities including carnivals, shrimp boil and auction, food and craft booths, Phillips Petroleum 5K Fun Run, live entertainment and concerts, The belle of the Brazos Pageant, a parade, and more.
Each year a festival to celebrate Texas independence from Mexico is held at the Park. Historians, storytellers, and reenactors help to tell Park visitors the story of early Texas. Downtown West Columbia boasts a variety of events including a parade, carnivals, food and craft booths, a shrimp boil and an auction while entertainers and concerts perform throughout the day. Phillips 66 Company host an annual 5K Fun Run for runners from throughout the area and state.
During the Christmas Season, Varner-Hogg and West Columbia join forces to celebrate this beautiful time of the year by presenting a nighttime parade and candlelight tours on the first Saturday evening in December. Varner-Hogg will be dressed in its Christmas best: tiny white firefly lights on all its buildings; velvets and greenery on its white Kentucky board fences; and its 164 year old plantation house decked out in plush Victorian decor. Candlelight tours will be held the first two Saturdays in December, the 2nd and 9th, from 5 PM to 8 PM; and will include harp and flute musicians, choirs, storytelling, and refreshments.
Tours of the Antebellum/Colonial Revival mansion are conducted Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tour fees apply. Fees are $4 for adults, $2 for students (College students must show valid ID), and 5 and and under are free. The tour fee is waived for one TCP holder per pass.
Activities include interpretation of the historical plantation house, the grounds and barn facilities; pecan picking, picnicking and walking; and birding and nature watching within the park's 66 beautiful acres. Annual events center around Texas Independence Day, April 15 and the days leading up to Christmas time. For more information, please call the Park at 979.345.4656.
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park is located at an elevation of 55 feet. The park has a Texas Gulf Coast climate. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
