Founded Jan. 1, 1866, as weekly "Southern Banner", by Dan McGary and John C. Rankin, Confederate veterans. For his independent policies, editor McGary was jailed that year. Shop and nearby businesses burned, but paper survived. Became a daily in . . . — — Map (db m151327) HM
Benjamin H. and Thomas J. Bassett opened their newly-created bank and located their law office in this building soon after its completion in 1873. Built with bricks manufactured by the local Wild & Co. Brickyard, the Italianate structure housed the . . . — — Map (db m74420) HM
On this site stood one of the early buildings of Baylor University erected for boys in 1851, and torn down in 1934 The institution was incorporated February 1, 1845 under the laws of the Republic of Texas named for Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor who . . . — — Map (db m118673) HM
In 1845, the Republic of Texas chartered Baylor University at Independence, and it began on the west side of town on Academy Hill. Shortly, work on a second campus began here at Windmill Hill (Allen's Hill). James Huckins developed a site plan and a . . . — — Map (db m118694) HM
In August 1907, the Brenham Creamery Company formed to purchase excess dairy products from farmers and produce butter for local sales. In 1911, the creamery began making ice cream, producing a maximum of two gallons each day. E.F. Kruse, who managed . . . — — Map (db m74449) HM
Brenham’s African American and Anglo community leaders first discussed the Brenham Normal and Industrial College (BNIC) in a public meeting in March 1905, when Daniel Porter (1863-1916) came to the area seeking land and a building to create a . . . — — Map (db m131045) HM
River-shipping efforts in pioneer Texas by steamboat were centered primarily on the Brazos (about 2 mi. E.), and Washington-on-the-Brazos (about 15 mi. N.) was an important distribution point for commercial interests. The Brazos flowed through most . . . — — Map (db m71622) HM
Spiritual center of the Berlin community, which was settled by Germans in 1847. On a missionary visit, Dec. 24, 1854, The Rev. Johann Ebinger (1828-1908) of Harris County held earliest Lutheran service in Washington County. On July 1, 1855, he . . . — — Map (db m151369) HM
A private firm; Brenham's first bank, founded 1866 by lawyer-brothers J. D. and D. C. Giddings. This building was erected 1872 for bank, with Brenham Chapter No. 5, Royal Arch Masons, owning third floor. Bank closed in 1945. — — Map (db m118662) HM
One and one-half miles south General Sam Houston was baptized by Rufus C. Burleson, Baptist minister and president of Baylor University, November 19, 1854 in Rocky Creek — — Map (db m118701) HM
In 1894 Bartlett, Texas, merchant L. A. Niebuhr presented Waco attorney E. W. Hander with a plan to establish a farm mutual aid association to provide farmers insurance against losses due to fire, lightning, and storms. Hander initially dismissed . . . — — Map (db m151297) HM
In the 19th century, one of the world's foremost researcher-writers on agriculture and horticulture lived 1858-1868 on his 3,500-acre plantation 2 mi. S of here, developing famous "central Texas nurseries" and experimental fields for new plant . . . — — Map (db m131025) HM
A captain in the army of the Republic of Texas 1836 A captain in the Somervell Expedition 1842 Representative and Senator in the Texas Legislature Brigadier General of Hood's Brigade C. S. A. — — Map (db m118705) HM
When the widow of Sam Houston died of yellow fever during the epidemic of 1867, the danger of contagion made it impossible to carry her to Huntsville for burial beside her husband. She lies here, with her mother, Mrs. Nancy Lea, near the sites of . . . — — Map (db m118731) HM
One of the first overland routes used by European explorers of Texas, La Bahia Road was originally an east-west Indian trail in southeastern Texas and Louisiana. Earlier it may have been an animal trail. Although not as famous, or long, as El Camino . . . — — Map (db m27787) HM
This church has historic ties to Independence Baptist church. In 1871, following Emancipation, former slaves established their own congregation, naming it in honor of their new freedom. The church, which began with 150 members, held services in a . . . — — Map (db m118718) HM
Margaret Moffette Lea wife of Gen. Sam Houston April 11, 1819 - Dec. 3, 1867 and her mother Nancy Moffette Lea May 1, 1780 - Feb. 7, 1864 women of character, culture and staunch devotion to their families and church, each in her own way greatly . . . — — Map (db m118733) HM
Born in Liverpool of Scots parents, Alexander Douglas Milroy immigrated to Houston in 1877 to work in a cotton exporting business. After amassing wealth in the cotton trade, Milroy settled with his family in Brenham in 1893. There he fulfilled his . . . — — Map (db m151346) HM
Organized in 1839. Here Sam Houston was converted and baptised in Rocky Creek in 1854. The present building was erected in 1872 — — Map (db m118717) HM
Graves in this historic cemetery date from the 1840s, although trustees of the Brenham Cemetery Association did not formally set aside the property until 1871. It came into operation following concern the earlier Masonic Cemetery would soon reach . . . — — Map (db m118661) HM
R.E.B. Baylor, for whom Baylor University is named, was a prominent leader in diverse arenas of public service: military, judicial, political, educational, fraternal and religious. A Kentucky native, he served in the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian . . . — — Map (db m118704) HM
A native of North Carolina, Robert Starke Armistead moved with his family to Alabama in 1818. He married Ann Sylvesta Carney in 1826 and they came to Texas in 1835. Armistead served in the Republic of Texas army in 1836 and with forces defending San . . . — — Map (db m125651) HM
Swiss immigrant Josef Schmid began a mercantile business in Brenham in 1880. He was joined by his brothers Benjamin and Sigmund to form Schmid Bros. in 1889, and in 1899-1900 they erected this building to house their business enterprises. Built in . . . — — Map (db m74422) HM
Center of Brenham hospitality for 122 years. Originally a two-story log stage depot adjoined by a log cabin complex called the Washington County Hotel.
Changed owners several times through the years. General Sam Houston once stayed here while . . . — — Map (db m131015) HM
Composed of a chief justice (now county judge) and four county commissioners, these elected governing boards directed vital Civil War programs. Provided arms, clothing, horses and saddles for troops from county. Gave aid to wartime factories. . . . — — Map (db m125649) HM
The Brenham Maifest has evolved from the German Volksfest, a spring festival carried to this area by German Texans who settled near Brenham. When the Brenham Fire Department assumed the duties of the Volksfest Association in 1880, the exclusively . . . — — Map (db m125648) HM
Born and educated in Scotland, Thomas Affleck (1812-1868) emigrated in 1832 to the United States, where he became one of the most well-known agriculturalists of his time. A prolific writer, Affleck was associated with several agricultural and . . . — — Map (db m28316) HM
Built in 1940 with funds granted by the Public Works Administration, this is the fourth courthouse to serve Washington County since its formation in 1835. Constructed during the tenure of County Judge Sam Low, the massive white limestone . . . — — Map (db m111920) HM
Washington County was the most populous in the state during the Civil War. It served as a center for production, warehousing, transportation, communications, and had a large quartermaster depot. Local wartime factories made spinning jennies, lumber, . . . — — Map (db m125650) HM
In the spring of 1862 Thomas N. Waul (1813-1903) recruited men from Washington and the surrounding counties to form a legion for Confederate service. Composed of twelve infantry companies, six cavalry companies, and two artillery companies, the . . . — — Map (db m28314) HM
One of the most influential horticulturists in Texas, William H. Watson was born in Ireland in 1837. He migrated to America in 1853 and moved to Texas by 1859. He and his wife, Sarah Warren, settled in Brenham, where he established Rosedale Nursery . . . — — Map (db m151367) HM
John M. Burton (1806-77) of Georgia came to Texas in the 1820s, and to this area in 1834. When the Houston & Texas Central Railroad was being built in 1869, he sold land for townsite. Post office opened Sept. 23, 1870, with Charles Huberich as . . . — — Map (db m106039) HM
In December 1913 a group of local farmers met to organize the Burton Farmers Gin Association. This two-story corrugated metal-clad gin building was constructed in 1914. The gin's machinery was steam-powered until 1925, when an oil engine was . . . — — Map (db m111945) HM
This is the earliest known survivor of an integrated cotton ginning system widely used to process cotton from wagon to bale in a continuous operation. The gin machinery was designed and built in 1914 by the Lummus Cotton Gin Company and can . . . — — Map (db m111947) HM
As a boy Gideon Lincecum moved with his father to various frontier sites in his native Georgia and in Mississippi. It was during this time that he developed insights about natural habitats and cultivated an understanding of Indian culture which . . . — — Map (db m93501) HM
Although the earliest written records of the St. Paul and Rehburg Schools date to 1880 and 1883 respectively, local tradition suggests they originated with informal classes held at the homes of pioneer farmers in this area of Washington County in . . . — — Map (db m109025) HM
In June 1894, a Christian congregation called Evangelical St. John’s Church of Burton organized. In October 1899, a long-felt need for a cemetery for the church was met when two acres of land, a mile east of Burton, were purchased from Mr. and . . . — — Map (db m151370) HM
Located halfway between San Felipe de Austin and the town of Washington, Cedar Creek existed from the mid-1830s to the early 1850s. Cedar Creek was inhabited by Methodists and became the center for the Texas Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1849, . . . — — Map (db m156825) HM
Founded 1847. Named for Robert Chappell, an 1841 settler. Early education center, with Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute, 1852, and Soule University, 1850.
Male students marched away to Civil War in 1861. C.S.A. Quartermaster Depot . . . — — Map (db m74273) HM
Opened as Masonic burial ground, 1853. Jacob Haller, founder of Chappell Hill, was first interment. Final resting place of pioneers, soldiers, statesmen, heroes of Texas. Until formation of Cemetery Association in 1965, cared for by Hubert Lodge . . . — — Map (db m156826) HM
Chappell Hill began as an agricultural community in 1847 but had no bank until a population boom in the early 1900s brought wealth and economic prosperity.
Farmers State Bank organized in March 1907 and opened in September of that year with J. . . . — — Map (db m111933) HM
Town's early masonry store, built 1869 by merchant John E. Glass.
Has thick sandstone walls, massive hand-hewn and pegged pine timbers, doors and window shutters made with square nails.
Tenants have been grocers and the Chappell Hill Post . . . — — Map (db m111934) HM
Founded May 1842, original site 2 1/2 mi. N.W. of Chappell Hill. Arm of Church opened here in 1853. First building destroyed by storm.
All of the congregation moved here in 1866. Present church erected in 1873.
Recorded Texas Historic . . . — — Map (db m156833) HM
Established in 1852 by the Methodist Church as Chappell Hill Male and Female Institute · After Soule University for Boys was established in 1856, Chappell Hill College was a School for Girls · Existed until 1912. Erected by the State of . . . — — Map (db m156827) HM
Established in 1855 and chartered in 1856 to replace Rutersville and Wesleyan Colleges. Closed during the Civil War and later by yellow fever. Succeeded in 1875 by Southwestern University — — Map (db m74266) HM
Apparently the first use in Texas of natural gas for fuel occurred in 1879 near here. William Seidel, a farmer, grist mill and cotton gin owner, and merchant, trying to dig a water well, struck gas at approximate depth of 106 feet. The gas was piped . . . — — Map (db m28321) HM
Outgrowth of efforts of Judge R.E.B. Baylor and others; chartered by Republic of Texas on Feb.1, 1845; opened 1846 - Baylor is the oldest University in Texas operating under original name. Until moving (1886) to Belton and Waco, Baylor was located . . . — — Map (db m157253) HM
Born in Massachusetts. Coming to Texas (1850) with wife, Martha Davis Clark, he was principal and second president of Baylor Female College. Mrs. Clark also taught and counseled students. Family operated dormitory on this site 20 years. Dr. . . . — — Map (db m156732) HM
Local legend tells of Dr. Asa Hoxey who, celebrating the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836, moved to change the name of Coles Settlement to Independence. Actual County records show an 1835 origin for the town of Independence with C. Baker, . . . — — Map (db m156749) HM
Until 1840 mail was carried by private conveyance- neighbors paying expenses of young man to travel by horse to Houston and bring mail for all; 1840 brought two stage routes giving weekly service. Postal service authorized in 1843; Moses Johnson . . . — — Map (db m156788) HM
The Independence Historical Society moved the Coles Cabin and Independence Log House buildings to this site to ensure their preservation.
"Walking through the house, we can visualize Coles (with his spectacles on his forehead) conducting . . . — — Map (db m157275) HM
A native of North Carolina, John Prince Coles brought his family to Texas in 1821 with Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. Arriving in present Washington County on New Year's Day in 1822, Coles received a Mexican land grant . . . — — Map (db m156743) HM
Under a charter issued in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, Baylor University was established on this site and operated here until its removal to Waco and Belton in 1886. Afterward the site was bought by John Thomas Hairston (1835-1918), a . . . — — Map (db m156738) HM
Although private schools were in operation in Independence as early as 1835, tax-supported public schools were not established until the 1870s. In September 1870, the County Court ordered that each of the five precincts in the County be divided . . . — — Map (db m156811) HM
Co. I Fifth Texas Infantry Regt., Army of Northern Virginia, was raised here Aug. 1861, as "The Texas Aides" by Capt. J.B. Robertson.
Unit fought in many battles of Civil War - Gaines Mill, Second Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chickamauga . . . — — Map (db m156792) HM
Renowned educators; family of the Rev. Abner Davis, founder (1827) of Shurtleff College, Alton, Ill.
A daughter, Martha (d. 1896), joined the Baylor Female College staff with her husband, Horace Clark, in 1851. Baylor in a few . . . — — Map (db m156735) HM
On this site stood the Female Department of Baylor University Incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Texas February 1, 1845 Henry L. Graves, first president, was elected January 12, 1846 Preparatory Department for boys and girls was . . . — — Map (db m157227) HM
First settler of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" colonists to arrive in Texas. Came November 1821 with his wife Nancy and 2 children. In 1824 he received title to over 9,000 acres of land and was made a Captain in the colonial militia. The town of . . . — — Map (db m131018) HM
Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, bought 1,107 acres here from M. Austin Bryan in 1844. This site, named "Barrington" for Jones' birthplace in Massachusetts, was the "White House of Texas" from 1844-46. By 1845 Jones had . . . — — Map (db m131016) HM
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, January 8, 1804. Died in Galveston, Texas, October 6, 1841. Before coming to Texas in December 1835, he assisted in raising funds and securing volunteers for the Army of Texas. Delegate from the Municipality of Milam to . . . — — Map (db m131019) HM
To the memory of
those courageous souls,
the delegates to the
Constitutional Convention
held here March 1-17, 1836
who declared Texas free,
organized a Republic, and
framed its constitution
Jessie B. Badgett
Dr. George . . . — — Map (db m131017) HM
This village — site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and first capital of the Republic of Texas — began in 1822 as a ferry crossing. Here the historic La Bahia Road (now Ferry Street) spanned the Brazos River. . . . — — Map (db m72114) HM
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