National Register Listings in
Washington County, Texas

Allcorn-Kokemoor Farmstead Applewhite, Isaac, House Bassett and Bassett Banking House Becker-Hildebrandt House Blinn College Blue Bell Creameries Complex Brenham Downtown Historic District Brenham High School Brenham High School Gymnasium Brenham School Brenham Water Works Brockschmidt-Miller House Brown, John M., House Browning, W. W., House Burton Commercial Historic District Burton Farmers Gin Burton High School Chappell Hill Circulating Library Chappell Hill Methodist Episcopal Church Chappell Hill Public School and Chappell Hill Female College Bell East Brenham Felder, E. King, House Gantt-Jones House Giddings-Stone Mansion Giddings-Wilkin House Hatfield Plantation Hodde Drugstore Holle, Edmund, House Houston, Mrs. Sam, House Hoxey, Asa, House Kneip-Bredthauer House Laas, Dr. Charles, House Lenert, Dr. Robert, House Main Building, Blinn College Main Street Historic District Matchett, Edgar, House Mt. Zion Methodist Church Neumann, William, House Nienstedt, Herbert, House Nienstedt, William, House Pampell-Day House Red House Reichardt-Low House Reue-Eickenhorst House Rogers, William S., House Routt, J. R., House Sanders, William Edward, House Santa Fe Railway Company Freight Depot Schlenker, Almot, House Schlenker-Kolwes House Schmidt House Schroeder, Fritz Paul and Emma, House Schuerenberg, F. W., House Schuerenberg, R. A., House Seelhorst, W. E., House Seward Plantation Smith, John Sterling, Jr., House Southern Pacific Railroad Freight Depot St. Mary's Catholic Church Stage Coach Inn Synagogue B'nai Abraham US Post Office-Federal Building-Brenham Walker, James, Log House Washington County Courthouse Waverly Wehring Shoe Shop and Residence Wood-Hughes House
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Washington County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that spans over 150 years. The county was established in 1836, the same year that Texas gained its independence from Mexico. It was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The county's founding coincided with the establishment of the Republic of Texas, and it played a significant role in the state's early development.

In its early years, Washington County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton being the main crop. Many German immigrants settled in the area and brought with them their farming expertise and traditions. These settlers played a crucial role in shaping the county's agricultural landscape and introducing a strong cultural influence that is still evident today.

During the Civil War, Washington County saw its fair share of conflict and upheaval. The county was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy while others opposed secession. The region experienced military occupation and witnessed battles and skirmishes, leaving a lasting impact on its residents.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Washington County transitioned from an agrarian economy to a more diversified one. With the arrival of the railroad, the county experienced a boost in commerce and industry. Businesses and services expanded, and the county's population grew as a result. Today, Washington County is known for its thriving agricultural industry, historical sites, and picturesque landscapes, attracting visitors from around the country.

Overall, Washington County, Texas has a storied past that reflects the broader history of the state. From its early origins as an agricultural community to its role in the Civil War and subsequent development, the county has played a significant part in shaping the growth and identity of Texas.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Washington County, Texas.

  • 1834 - Washington County is organized as the first county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1836 - The Battle of San Jacinto takes place, securing Texas independence
  • 1838 - Washington-on-the-Brazos becomes the first capital of the Republic of Texas
  • 1851 - Brenham is established as the county seat
  • 1861 - Texas secedes from the Union and joins the Confederate States of America
  • 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railroad reaches Brenham, boosting the local economy
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the agricultural industry in Washington County
  • 1950 - Blue Bell Creameries is founded in Brenham
  • 1972 - Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is established
  • 1990s - Washington County experiences population growth and development