Independence, Texas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Independence
Unincorporated community
Independence, Texas Location in Texas Show map of Texas Independence, Texas Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Washington
Elevation	358 ft (109 m)
GNIS feature ID	1338384

Independence is a small, historic community in Washington County, Texas, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own city government. In 2000, about 140 people lived in Independence. It is located about an hour's drive northwest of the large Greater Houston area.

History of Independence, Texas

Independence was founded in 1835 on 78 acres of land. It was part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. J. G. W. Pierson, Robert Stevenson, Colbert Baker, and Amasa F. Burchard established the community. This land was originally given by the Mexican government to Thomas S. Saul. He then gave it to Pierson and Baker.

Growth and Importance in Early Texas

Independence quickly grew into an important place. It became a center for both education and religion in the early Republic of Texas. The Independence Baptist Church was started in 1839. Elders Thomas W. Cox and Thomas Spraggins founded it. Cox was the church's first pastor. This church was the second-oldest connected to the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It was still active in the 1990s.

In 1854, Sam Houston, a very famous Texan, was baptized in Little Rocky Creek. This creek is located two miles southeast of the community. A post office opened in Independence in 1846. By the 1850s, the town also had a jail, a Masonic lodge, a cemetery, a hotel, and a stagecoach depot. It was also a small business center. Independence officially became a town in 1852. T. T. Clay served as its first mayor.

Challenges and Decline

The leaders of Baylor University and the town wanted to help Independence grow. However, they would not let the Santa Fe train build its tracks through the town. This decision had a big impact. By the 1880s, most of the local railway lines went around Independence. This meant that much of the trade moved to other nearby towns.

The population of Independence began to shrink. In 1966, about 200 people lived there. The post office also closed down. By 1990, Independence was a small rural community with 140 residents. This number remained the same in 2000.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

Despite its smaller size, Independence has many important historical sites. These include the Independence Baptist Church and the Texas Baptist Historical Center. Judge Coles' house and Baylor College Park are also notable. The Old Independence Cemetery is a special place. It holds the graves of Judge Coles, Sam Houston Jr., Moses Austin Bryan, and T. T. Clay. These were all important Texans. The Margaret Houston House and Houston-Lea Family Cemetery are also here. This cemetery is where Margaret Lea Houston and her mother are buried. In 2010, the population of Independence was still 140 people.

Milam Lodge No. 11, which belongs to the Grand Lodge of Texas, was located in Independence. The Seward Plantation is also in the area. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Weather Events

Independence has experienced some strong weather. A tornado hit the community in December 1983. On May 26, 2016, a weaker tornado, called an EF0, struck Independence. It caused many trees to fall in a swirling pattern.

Early Texas Politics

In the 1838 Republic of Texas presidential election, Mirabeau B. Lamar made a claim. He said he moved to Texas in 1835 to become a citizen. He also said he bought land rights from the community's land surveyor. He could even show a receipt as proof.

Geography of Independence

Independence is located where two important roads meet. These are Farm to Market Roads 390 and 50. It is about 12 miles northeast of Brenham. Independence is also about 82 miles west of Houston. It is in the northeastern part of Washington County.

Education in Independence

In 1845, the Union Baptist Association received permission to build a university. This was done through the Texas Baptist Educational Society. Several cities wanted the university. However, Independence was the richest community in Texas at that time. So, it won the right to have the school.

Founding of Baylor University

Baylor University opened in Independence in 1846. It started as a school for both male and female students, with 24 students. In 1851, the school was divided into separate sections for males and females. By 1866, they were officially named Baylor Female College and Baylor University.

Relocation of Baylor University

By 1885, there were problems with transportation in Independence. Because of this, officials decided to move the colleges. Baylor Female College, now called the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, moved to Belton. Baylor University moved to Waco. This decision marked the beginning of a long period of decline for Independence. Today, students in the community attend schools in the Brenham Independent School District.

Notable People from Independence

In Popular Culture

The American western TV series Walker: Independence takes place in Independence.

Gallery

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  Site of Home of General Sam Houston and Family

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  Original Site of Baylor University