Independence
Pop.140
Alt.185
Settled in 1824 by John P. Coles, one of
Stephen f. Austin's 300 original families in Texas. First called Coles
Settlement, the village name was changed in 1836 to commemorate independence of
Texas from Mexico. The town square was laid out for the Washington County
courthouse, but Brenham won a heated county seat election by two votes. On F.M.
50 a few miles north of Brenham.
Attractions:
Antique Rose Emporium-
Nursery specializing in older classes of garden roses, many
brought to the area by settlers, along with native plants, old-fashioned garden
perennials and herbs planted in display gardens. Historic Hairston-McKnight
homestead's restored stone kitchen is focal point of garden. Open Tues. - Sat. 9
a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. On F.M. 50, just south of intersection
with F.M. 390.
Cemetery -
Many notables are buried in this area including, Sam
Houston, Jr., Moses Austin Bryan, the Hoxey family and veterans of all U.S. wars
from the American Revolution through World War II.
Old Baylor Park -
On site of campus of Old Baylor University. Original home of
John P. Coles relocated and restored here (open by appointment only). Modern
picnic facilities and rest rooms make this place come alive!. One-half mile west
on F.M. 390.
Ruins of Old Baylor University -
Birthplace of present Baylor University (Waco) and
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton). Four large stone pillars mark
original site of Baylor's administration and classroom building; other ruins of
six acre original campus.
Sam Houston Homesite -
Marked with large granite marker, stands on F.M. 390 across
from entrance to Old Baylor campus. Mrs. Houston's 1863 home stands one block
east of old Baptist church on F.M. 390.
Scenic Drive -
F.M. 390 east and west from independence offers attractive
scenery and exceptional vistas. Especially colorful around mid-April during
bluebonnet season.
Texas Baptist Historical Center -
Historic Independence Baptist Church, organized in 1839,
third oldest Baptist church in Texas, where Sam Houston was converted in 1854
and baptized by Dr. R. C. Burleson. Present building dating to pre-Civil-War
days. Mrs. Sam Houston and her mother Nancy Moffette Lea, longtime members of
the church, are buried within sound of the historic bell, just across the street
from churchyard. Old records, family information and local travel information
available at museum. Open We. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. At F.M. 390 / F.M. 50
junction.