Following La Bahia Road, Washington Avenue through downtown Navasota was a main section of the early road connecting the Western settlements of Washington-on-the-Brazos and Goliad to the Grimes county seat of Anderson to the East and on to Louisiana. Historically, the heavily traveled pathway was an Indian trail and then pioneer and cattle route before developing along a railway line in the 1880s. Many of Navasota's early commercial buildings line the avenue, along with many historic homes and other sites. Washington Avenue continues to serve the community and area, contributing to economic growth and the area's cultural heritage. (2020)