Brenham
Pop.16,989 Alt. 350
This county seat is situated in the east central part of
Washington County on a part of the league of land granted to a settler under
colonization laws of Coahuila and Texas. It's pronounced German population began
settling here in the 1860's. Home of Blinn College, Texas' first county- wide
junior college, founded 1883.
An antique carrousel, only one of 12 in Texas, is the only
example of a C. W. Parker Carousel with Hershell-Spillman horses; manufactured
prior to 1910; in Firemen's Park. Visitors can view the beautiful carnival ride
at any time. Group tours, which includes a ride on the carrousel, may be
arranged by calling (979)337-7200.
Brenham lies on Texas 36, a segment of the Ports to Plains
Highway connecting the state's heartland to coastal ports. It lies along the
Texas Pioneer Trail covering four-county area. For additional information and
map, contact the local chamber of commerce.
Attractions:
Blue Bell Creameries-
"The little creamery in Brenham," founded in 1907 as Brenham
Creamery Co.; name changed to Blue Bell in 1930 for wild flower that grows in
area. With ice cream production of two gallons a day in 1911, popular creamery
is home of what many believe is the ultimate ice cream in the United
States. In1981, "Time" magazine devoted a major article to the best
premium ice creams their enthusiastic researchers could find. After seven pages
of waxing eloquent about luscious, delectable varieties, the feature concluded:
"Forget all this, and resolve the next time you are in Texas to obtain the best
ice cream in the world, which is made by Blue Bell Creameries in Washington
County...." Judge for yourself, for a fee, on tours at the plant that now
produces 20 million gallons per year. Tours are year round Mon.-Fri. usually at
10a.m. and 1p.m.; groups of 15 or more need reservations. (All tours by
reservation only in March and April.) Blue Bell Country Store open Mon.-Fri.
8a.m.-5p.m., Sat. 9a.m.-3p.m. Closed major holidays. 1-800- 327-8135. Two miles
southeast of downtown on S. Horton St. (F.M. 577). Admission charge required.
Brenham Heritage Museum-
Housed in renovated 1915 Federal Building. Exhibits help to
preserve area history and to keep it intact for future generations. Traveling
exhibits throughout the year. Open Wed. 1-4 p.m.; Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
105 S.
Market St. For information call (979)830-8445. Donations requested.
Burton Farmers Gin-
National historic landmark built in 1914 and powered by 1925
Bessemer twin type IV oil engine. Rare working reminder of era when cotton
reigned supreme in Brazos Valley. Guided tours; 12 miles west of Brenham on U.
S. 290. (979)289-3378.