The George Ranch Historical Park

"Our silver anniversary of Texian Market Days was a smashing success. Everyone including staff, volunteers, guests (and even the weather!) just came together to make a great event," said Jerry Hoover, Fort Bend Museum Site Director and Texian Market Days Committee Chairman.

At the 1830s Jones Stock Farm site, lead interpreter J.R. Thomas said he was especially pleased with the re-enactment of William B. Travis' arrest.

"We had a clearly defined storyline that hasn't been done in the past. Both the re-enactors and public really enjoyed it," he said. "I heard many compliments throughout the day."

The 1860s Ryon Prairie Home site was home to the Confederate and Union camps. At 2 p.m., a mock battle was staged and the Confederate soldiers went home victorious.

"We live in the South - the Confederates have to win!" said lead interpreter Matthew Driggers.

The area surrounding the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion was bustling with activities: Victorian games, blacksmithing, live music from Pat Gavin, entertainment from Dr. Bushrod's Medicine Show and a food court for the hungry. An antique hearse was also displayed inside the historic cemetery.

"Our volunteers were outstanding," said lead interpreter Mike Sharkey. "They helped me out so much."

Vendors were set up around the 1930s George Cattle Complex and Village areas. Author Margaret McManis read her children's book, "The Wild Texas Stampede!," near the old tree house and said she hopes to be back next year. SWAY'd, a women's quartet from the Houston Horizon Chorus, performed in the Gazebo. They also strolled around the George Home and serenaded visitors with classic American standards from the early- to mid-1900s. The Fort Bend Archeological Society held a public dig in the side yard of the George Home, hoping to uncover the foundation for the prairie home that burned in 1888.

"This year they found two items of note: one very small brass button with a design on it (the kind that might have been used on a lady's button-up shoe) and one piece of glass that had been in a fire hot enough to melt it (much hotter than a cooking or fireplace fire.) This would have been a house fire," said Education Coordinator Claire Rogers.

The Tractor Show & Pull at the Arena was also a big attraction and was attended by more people than in years before, said Program Manager Robert Hurley.