National Register Listing

Independence Park

a.k.a. James McCullough Park

Roughly bounded by 1000 Blk. of E. 40th St., Houston, TX
Independence Park is the only public space remaining from the early years of Independence Heights. In 1910, the Wright Land Company set aside some eight lots in the northeast portion of the subdivision for a community park and named it Independence Park. The park provided important community space for church gatherings, school activities, and annual Juneteenth celebrations. Although parks were often part of white neighborhoods during this period, few African American communities had such dedicated space and few larger community parks were open to blacks. The property is eligible under Criterion A in the areas of Community Planning and Development and Ethnic Heritage (black) at the local level of significance.

The Wright Land Company set aside approximately eight lots in Blocks 68 and 77 of Independence Heights for a community park named, Independence Park. Developers of white subdivisions often provided land for neighborhood or community parks. When the Wright Company developed this area they generously provided these lots for residents of Independence Heights.

Independence Park became the principal meeting and public space for activities in the community. Churches, school groups, and special occasions, like Juneteenth, were often based in the park.

During the 1910s and 1920s, African Americans in Houston had few public parks open for use. Local officials enforced segregation of public spaces by a custom first and then by local ordinance in 1922 (Black Dixie, p. 88) This legal action made Independence Park one of several public parks open to African Americans in the Houston area.

Independence Park was renamed James McCullough Park by the City of Houston after its annexation in 1929.

The property is significant in the area of Community Planning and Development and Ethnic Heritage (black) as a rare example of public park accommodation and planning for African Americans at a local level.
Local significance of the site:
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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.