Old Independence, Texas, United States
4.5 (7 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Independence Sightseeing Tours
A Part of Texas History
Persons interested in the history of Texas would do well to visit Independence, located on Farm Road 50 twelve miles northeast of Brenham in Washington County. Independence is where Baylor University had its start, and ruins exist from some of the buildings. In addition, there are several historic houses and buildings that date back to the 1800s, including the house occupied by Mrs. Sam Houston. There are plenty historical markers and signs to assist visitors in identifying buildings, etc. I have visited Independence on a number of occasions, the last being earlier this month. Persons interested in photography may want to visit Independence in the spring, when the wild flowers are in bloom.
Address
Fm 50, Independence, Texas, United States.
Website
http://www.independencetx.com
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 16:50
User Ratings
4.5 based on (7 reviews)
Reviews
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4Kenneth R 5:00 PM Feb 1, 2018
Cool Texas History
This interesting little town was founded in 1835, was home to Baylor University (opened in 1846) and is where Sam Houston and family lived. The school was divided into men's and women's colleges with a creek running between them. The creek became known by the men as "The River Jordan" because the females dwelled over in the promised land. The town and the university would not grant the railroad right-of-way to come through town, but when it was bypassed, it began to decline. In 1885, Baylor moved to its current location in Waco and the town declined further. Independence Baptist Church was founded in 1839 and is the oldest continuously active Baptist church in Texas. Sam Houston, known for his hard drinking and wild ways, was baptized and joined the church at the insistence of his deeply religious wife and mother-in-law in 1854. The church pew where he always sat is preserved and marked. It's a small town now, but was once the wealthiest community in Texas. There is an interesting walking/driving tour of historic places you can find online.
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4Randy B 5:00 PM Nov 23, 2022
Texas History in Independence
The history of Texas independence is woven through the tiny town of Independence. Much of it is gone, but what remains tells a good story. I wish historians would rebuild some of the original buildings that once comprised the town square, but alas, all that remains are several historical markers. It's still interesting to see what remains of the original Baylor college campus. It was relocated to Waco after the town refused to allow the railroad to build a line through town. Also, the church where Sam Houston was baptized still stands. A Baptist history museum next door to the church provides background of the growth of the denomination in Texas.
