Brenham, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brenham, Texas
|
||
|---|---|---|
Washington County Courthouse
|
||
|
||
| Etymology: Named in memory of Richard Fox Brenham | ||
| Country | United States | |
| State | Texas | |
| County | Washington | |
| Established | 1844 | |
| Named for | Richard Fox Brenham | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 13.03 sq mi (33.74 km2) | |
| • Land | 12.98 sq mi (33.61 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2) | |
| Elevation | 312 ft (95 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
|
||
| • Total | 17,369 | |
| • Density | 1,376.51/sq mi (531.48/km2) | |
| Demonym(s) | Brenhamite | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) | |
| ZIP code |
77833
|
|
| PO box ZIP code |
77834
|
|
| Area code(s) | 979 | |
| FIPS code | 48-10156 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409901 | |
Brenham is a city in east-central Texas, United States. It is the main city of Washington County. In 2020, about 17,369 people lived there.
Brenham is famous for its yearly German heritage festival called Maifest. This festival happens every May. Many German immigrants moved to Brenham in the mid-1800s. They came after the revolutions in German states in 1848.
Contents
History of Brenham
The land around Brenham was once home to different Native American tribes. In the 1820s and 1830s, small towns grew in this area. Brenham was part of the "Old Three Hundred" settlement. This was the first time Anglo-Americans were allowed to settle in Texas, led by Stephen F. Austin.
In 1843, a community called Hickory Grove changed its name to Brenham. This was to honor Richard Fox Brenham, a local doctor. He died while serving in the Texian militia during the Mier Expedition. On February 4, 1844, the people of Washington County chose Brenham as their county seat.
German immigrants started settling in Brenham as early as 1846. More Germans arrived throughout the late 1800s, especially between 1880 and 1883. Jewish immigrants also came to Brenham. They built one of Texas' first Orthodox synagogues in 1885.
Geography and Climate
Brenham covers about 8.8 square miles (22.7 square kilometers) of land. The city has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm temperatures and rain throughout the year.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 920 | — | |
| 1870 | 2,221 | 141.4% | |
| 1880 | 4,101 | 84.6% | |
| 1890 | 5,209 | 27.0% | |
| 1900 | 5,968 | 14.6% | |
| 1910 | 4,718 | −20.9% | |
| 1920 | 5,066 | 7.4% | |
| 1930 | 5,974 | 17.9% | |
| 1940 | 6,435 | 7.7% | |
| 1950 | 6,941 | 7.9% | |
| 1960 | 7,740 | 11.5% | |
| 1970 | 8,922 | 15.3% | |
| 1980 | 10,966 | 22.9% | |
| 1990 | 11,952 | 9.0% | |
| 2000 | 13,507 | 13.0% | |
| 2010 | 15,716 | 16.4% | |
| 2020 | 17,369 | 10.5% | |
| 2022 (est.) | 18,469 | 17.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Brenham has grown steadily over the years. In 1860, about 920 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to 17,369 people.
The city is home to a diverse mix of people. The population includes people of White, African American, Asian, and Native American backgrounds. Many residents also identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Economy and Jobs
Brenham is known as the home of Blue Bell Creameries. This company makes ice cream and is very popular. Blue Bell ice cream is sold in many states across the U.S.
Another big company in Brenham is Valmont Industries. They make metal poles at their industrial plant. Brenham also has "the World's Largest BBQ Pit." This is a fun local landmark.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services runs a center in Brenham. It is called the Brenham State Supported Living Center. This center provides housing and care for people with intellectual disabilities.
Education in Brenham
Students in Brenham attend schools in the Brenham Independent School District (Brenham ISD). There are also several private schools.
Public schools in Brenham ISD include:
- Brenham Elementary School
- Krause Elementary School
- Alton Elementary School
- Brenham Middle School (for fifth and sixth graders)
- Brenham Junior High School (for seventh and eighth graders)
- Brenham High School
The mascot for Brenham High School is the lion cub.
Brenham is also home to Blinn College. This is the oldest county-owned junior college in Texas. Blinn College has other campuses in different cities.
Transportation and Roads
Several important highways pass through Brenham. These roads help people travel to and from the city.
Major highways include:
US 290
SH 105
SH 36
The BNSF Railway also has tracks that go through Brenham. These tracks help transport goods for companies like Valmont Industries and Blue Bell Creameries.
Notable People from Brenham
Many interesting people have connections to Brenham. Here are a few:
- Malcom Brown (born 1994), a professional football player.
- Cecil Cooper (born 1949), a professional baseball player.
- Don Imus (1940–2019), a famous radio and TV personality.
- Blind Willie Johnson (1897–1945), a well-known singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
- Lois Kolkhorst (born 1964), a state politician.
- Teaira McCowan (born 1996), a WNBA basketball player.
- Sadie Sink (born 2002), an actress.
- Courtland Sutton (born 1995), a professional football player.
Images for kids
-
Map of Brenham from 1873
-
Washington County Boys' Corn Club in a parade, 1910
See also
In Spanish: Brenham (Texas) para niños
