National Register Listing

Independence Heights Residential Historic District

Roughly bounded by N. Yale and E. 34th Sts., and I-610, Houston, TX
The Independence Heights Residential Historic District encompasses approximately 70 acres of the original subdivision of Independence Heights. The district includes the largest concentration of intact houses constructed from c. 1908 through the 1920s. A variety of traditional architectural forms are found in the district, but the largest number of buildings are bungalows. The architecture of the district reflects the middle-class economic structure of the community making it distinct from most contemporary neighborhoods in Houston. The district also includes many of the early businesses and the homes of the second and third mayors of Independence Heights. 125 properties are Contributing elements; 109 are Non-contributing. Independence Heights Residential Historic District is eligible under Criterion A in the area of Ethnic Heritage (black) and Community Planning and Development, and under Criterion C in the area of Architecture.

The Independence Heights Residential Historic District covers approximately 70 acres of an original 329 acres formally platted in 1910 by the Wright Land Company. Although formally advertised for sale in 1910, the company began selling lots in the new subdivision as early as 1908 with the Polly Carroll House at 309 E. 32nd Street. The new subdivision became quite popular as the Wright Land Company financed most lot sales and new home construction. Primarily marketed to African Americans who could not obtain conventional bank loans, the company dropped the interest rate below the going commercial rate. Deed records from residents show an average percentage rate of six with six dollars down and six dollars each month.

The majority of lots sold and houses constructed appear in the southwest quadrant of the subdivision. Based on a 1923-24 city directory, the most heavily populated area of Independence Heights is in this section confirming this development trend.
Many of the houses in the historic district reflect typical middle-class housing patterns of the early 20 century. Traditional house forms include the shotgun (hipped roof and gable-front), L-plan, modified L- plan, pyramidal roofed, and center-passage. The major house form, however, is the side-gable or front-gable bungalow. A large number of bungalows is distinct from neighborhoods of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Wards which are contemporary developments in Houston.

Some of the early residents of Independence Heights who owned property in the district include Arthur McCullough, the third and last mayor of Independence Heights, and O.L. Hubbard, the second mayor and real estate salesman. Several businesses also were based in the area including Allen's Hall at 3211 Columbia (demolished) and Susie Booker's kindergarten at 301 E. 33" (demolished).

The Independence Heights Residential Historic District is the most intact collection of early houses associated with the original subdivision. Although the individual entities are less distinguished, the district as a whole is representative of the larger community during its period of significance.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Black

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Harris County in Texas has a significant history that shaped its growth and importance. Established in 1837, the county was named after John Richardson Harris, founder of the first settlement, Harrisburg. Houston, the county seat, became a prominent commercial and shipping center due to its strategic location and railroads.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.

Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.

Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.

With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Harris County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.

  • 1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.

  • 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.

  • 1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.

  • 19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.

  • 20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.

  • 1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.

  • Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.