Durazno Plantation
S of Jones Creek off TX 36, Jones Creek, TXDurazno Plantation was one of the earliest and most important plantations of the state's colonial period. It was the place Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas) dreamed of taking his fiance, diarist Mary Austin Holley, to settle, and was developed by Austin's nephew, William Joel Bryan. He and many other members of the Bryan family, raised at or associated with Durazno, went on to contribute their talents in various fields. Although the home no longer appears as the original, the farmstead's good state of preservation offers unique opportunities for further archeological and architectural investigation.
Local significance of the district:
Historic - Non-aboriginal; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
About Brazoria County
Brazoria County Timeline
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.
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.
Brazoria County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.