Historical Marker

Schuster Home

Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

The Schuster home was built in 1917 on land purchased by George Schuster in 1915. This land was part of the Freeport town site. The home was built primarily by George Schuster’s sons, Manuel, Henry, and Joe, all experienced carpenters.

The two-story home was built on heavy cedar tree blocks with large tapered columns and supported by a wraparound pine floor porch. Two enclosed chimneys along the ridge of the two-story home provided heat in the early years prior to the city’s available use of natural gas. The walls are covered with milled cypress wood, making the home one of Freeport’s first and most well-constructed wooden structures.

After George and his wife’s death, Joe and his wife, Valentine, who lived in a small house in the backyard, purchased the family home from the Schuster estate in 1951. Valentine continued to live in the home after Joe’s death until 1981. Her children continued to maintain the house in its original state after her death. Much of the original furniture is still used today, some of which is over 100 years old.

Schuster descendants established the Schuster house corporation in 2003. The corporation then placed the home into the care of the Brazos historical society which undertook a 10-year restoration of the house. With donations, membership dues and community help, the Schuster home was completely restored to its original state and opened to the public as a museum. This historic home is tangible evidence of one of the earliest homes in Freeport still in existence

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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Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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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.