Hill Female College and Soule University, along with five churches. Soule University later became part of what is now Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Chappell Hill prospered in the early days and the town became a popular stagecoach stop for travelers between Houston, Austin and Waco. The elegant Stagecoach Inn still sets on the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets, its Greek Revival-style architecture featuring highly detailed cornices with downspouts that bear the Lone Star and the 1851 date they were added. The Civil War and Reconstruction era brought violent changes to Chappell Hill. The yellow fever epidemic of 1867 also took a toll, nearly wiping out the community. Nevertheless, the town survived all of this and entered a new era of growth and prosperity while maintaining its rich heritage. The Chappell Hill Historical Museum illustrates the region’s history with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Cotton farming reigned in Burton and, as a result, the city prospered throughout the late 1800s. In spite of its small population of 325, Burton has managed to hold on to its post office, school district and bank. It has its own police force, fire department, and water and sewer systems. The old Burton Cotton Gin has been restored and it attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Independence was originally called “Coles Settlement.” The town had its beginning in 1824 on land granted by Mexico to Judge John P. Coles, who came to Texas in 1821 as one of Austin’s 300 colonists. In 1836 the community was renamed Independence in honor of Texas’ declaration of freedom from Mexico.
The town of Washington holds a unique place in Texas history, and today you will find Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and the Star of the Republic Museum on its original site. The museum interprets the saga of the Republic of Texas through stateof-the-art exhibits, and a Children’s Discovery Center allows young people to experience history through hands-on activities. The period also comes to life at the Barrington Living History Farm complex where visitors can experience a working farm of the 1850’s. You can spend some time in the Visitor Center with interactive exhibits, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful park grounds next to the Brazos River, explore interpretive trails and tour the museum. Plus, each year on the weekend nearest to March 2, the Texas Independence Day Celebration is held to recognize this pivotal event in Texas history.
Chappell Hill was founded in 1847 by Mary Hargrove Haller, granddaughter of Robert Wooding Chappell, for whom she named the town. Her husband, Jacob, was the town’s first postmaster. The tiny town prides itself on having established two colleges, Chappell
In 1839, a Baptist church was established and its congregation still meets today. The Independence Baptist Church is now the oldest continuously operating Baptist church in the state. Sam Houston attended church and was baptized there, and legend has it that following his baptism in the creek, Houston said, “I pity the fish downstream.” Houston’s mother-in-law was so thrilled with his transformation that she had a large iron bell created and presented it to the church with gratitude. The Texas Baptist Historical CenterMuseum features this bell, along with many other early Texas history exhibits.
Independence is also home to the original site of Baylor University, founded in 1846. The university was moved to Waco in 1886, but the ruins of Old Baylor still stand, surrounded by a peaceful park and playground area. This park is renowned as one of the best places in the state to see bluebonnets in the spring. At the peak of the season, the landscape mirrors the sky and Old Baylor is covered in a sea of blue flowers.
www.BrenhamTexas.com
2020 ✪ Washington County Chamber Magazine
33