Historical Marker

Charlie Brown

Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27"x42" with post

Charlie Brown, born a slave in the late 1820s, came to the Brazoria County area

from Virginia before the Civil War. Despite being illiterate and using an X

for his mark beside his name on legal transactions, Brown acquired a vast

amount of land according to the Brazoria County tax records. Between 1889 and

1910, he owned approximately 3,000 acres, including much of the land in West

Columbia. He donated some parcels for area churches and schools. In 1896,

Brown deeded land in School District Sixteen (Colored) within the city limits

of West Columbia. This school at West Bernard and Brown Street, was the first

in the community to serve African American students and was later named Charlie

Brown School in his honor.

Brown married Isabella, a former slave from the Dance Plantation. When he died

in 1920, he owned several businesses, including grist, sugar and saw mills and

the countys first cotton gin. A Houston Post article identified him as a

millionaire and the wealthiest African American in the state. Brown was the

single largest landowner and taxpayer in Brazoria County and was appreciated

by a diverse citizenship of West Columbia. He was buried in Brown Family

Cemetery at Danciger.

The City of West Columbia formally honored Brown at least twice. At a special

session of the City Council on February 28, 1955,, Brown Street was named for

him. The city also proclaimed August 30, 2014, to be observed as Charlie Brown

Day. On February 24, 2015, the State of Texas recognized Brown when the 84th

Texas Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 58 for this man whose

life and legacy are indeed worthy of tribute. His impact on his neighbors

and his community continues to be felt today. (2015)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Brazoria County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and the Atakapan, who thrived along the Gulf Coast. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into the area. However, it was not until the 1820s that significant permanent settlements were established.

In 1822, Stephen F. Austin brought the first American colonists to the region, leading to the establishment of the Austin Colony. The county was officially organized in 1832 and was named after the Brazos River, which borders the county to the north. The economy of Brazoria County in the early years was predominantly agricultural, with cotton becoming a major cash crop and sugar production gaining prominence. Slavery played a significant role in the county’s economy, with many enslaved people working on the plantations.

During the Texas Revolution in the 1830s, the area witnessed several historical events. Significantly, Velasco, a small community in Brazoria County, served as the site of the Battle of Velasco, where Texan rebels clashed with Mexican troops in June 1832. The county also provided numerous soldiers to the Texas Army, with several residents playing important roles in the fight for Texas independence.

In the following years, Brazoria County experienced growth and development, with several towns and communities emerging. In the late 19th century, railways expanded through the county, further boosting its economic prospects. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought even greater prosperity to the area. Today, Brazoria County continues to thrive economically, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brazoria County, Texas.

  • 1822 - Stephen Austin received the first land grant in the area that would become Brazoria County.
  • 1832 - Brazoria County was officially established as a municipality of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico, and Brazoria County became part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - The county seat was moved from Velasco to Brazoria.
  • 1839 - The county seat was once again relocated, this time to Columbia.
  • 1842 - Brazoria County was split, and part of it became Fort Bend County under the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 - Texas was admitted to the United States, and Brazoria County became a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1892 - The county seat was moved from Columbia to Angleton, where it remains today.
  • 1943 - Construction of the Dow Chemical Company plant began, making it a major employer and industry in the county.
  • 1961 - Brazosport College was established in Brazoria County.
  • 2019 - Brazoria County celebrates its rich history and continues to thrive as an important region in Texas.