West Columbia in Brazoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Capitol Buildings

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 7, 2020

1. The Capitol Buildings Marker

Inscription. No single building was large enough to house both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Two buildings served the two bodies of Congress with a number of smaller log houses serving as offices and committee rooms. The Senate met in a structure built by Captain Henry S. Brown in 1832 that served as his family's residence until his death in 1834. It was a two-story building with two rooms below and two above. The building, which once stood on the south side of Brazos Avenue, was torn down in 1888. The House of Representatives met in a store constructed by Leman Kelsey about 1833. This building stood on the north side of Brazos Avenue almost directly across the street from the Brown house where the Senate met. An early settler who was in Columbia during the days of the republic, Mr. John Adriance, referred to the Kelsey building as the "old capitol,” because Stephen F. Austin worked in a shed at its rear. Although the original structure was destroyed by the 1900 storm, a replica of the Kelsey building was constructed in 1977.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 29° 8.679′ N,

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95° 38.859′ W. Marker is in West Columbia, Texas, in Brazoria County. It is at the intersection of East Brazos Avenue (State Highway 35) and North 16th Street, on the right when traveling west on East Brazos Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Columbia TX 77486, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Members of the Senate (here, next to this marker); Problems Facing the New Republic (here, next to this marker); Members of the House of Representatives (here, next to this marker); Officials of the Republic (here, next to this marker); Sam Houston, First President of the Republic (here, next to

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 7, 2020

2. The Capitol Buildings Marker

this marker); Columbia - The First Capital of The Republic of Texas (here, next to this marker); The Runaway Scrape (a few steps from this marker); Selection of Columbia (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Columbia.

The Capitol Buildings Marker, on the left image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 7, 2020

3. The Capitol Buildings Marker, on the left

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 7, 2020

4. The Capitol Buildings Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.