Independence Heights, Houston facts for kids
Independence Heights is a historic community in Houston, Texas. It is located north of downtown Houston. The area is bordered by 40th Street to the north, Yale Street to the west, the 610 Loop to the south, and Airline Drive to the east. It's known for being the first African American city in Texas.
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A Look Back at Independence Heights
African American families began moving to the area called Independence Heights around 1908. A company called Wright Land Company developed this land. Residents bought small wooden houses, many built by black contractors who lived in the community.
Independence Heights made history on January 25, 1915. It became the first African American city, or "municipality," in Texas. At that time, about 600 people lived there. By 1920, the population grew to 715 residents. Many people worked in nearby Houston or the Houston Heights area.
Early Leaders and City Growth
George O. Burgess, a lawyer, was elected as the first mayor of Independence Heights. He was born in Texas in 1876. The city hall and courthouse were located at Burgess Hall. This building was at 700 E. 34th Street until 1919.
Over the next few years, the city made many improvements. They paved streets with shell, built plank sidewalks, and set up a city water system.
O. L. Hubbard became the second mayor in 1919. He served until 1925. Arthur L. McCullough was the third and last mayor, serving from 1925 to 1928.
Joining Houston
In November 1928, the people of Independence Heights voted to join the larger city of Houston. They hoped this would bring better city services. Houston officially took over the former city on December 26, 1929. However, the promised improvements like better streets and utilities did not happen right away.
Local Businesses and Professions
In the late 1920s, Independence Heights had about 40 businesses owned by black residents. These included grocery stores, restaurants, and even a lumber company. There were also watch repair shops, ice cream parlors, and a cleaning shop. Other professionals like teachers, construction workers, and railroad workers lived and worked there.
Recognizing History
In 1989, a special marker was placed at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. This marker from the Texas Historical Commission shows that the site is a Texas Historical Site.
In 1997, the National Park Service recognized the historic homes and buildings in Independence Heights. They listed them on the National Register of Historic Places. This means these places are important to the nation's history.
Historic Places Listed on the National Register
- Independence Park, also known as McCullough Park
- William Mackey House
- Ben C. and Jenetter Cyrus House
- Charles Johnson House
- Independence Heights Residential Historic District
- Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses
- Oscar Lindsay House
Former Mayors of Independence Heights
- G. O. Burgess
- O. L. Hubbard
- Arthur L. McCullough
Education in Independence Heights
The Houston Independent School District serves the students of Independence Heights.
All students in Independence Heights attend Burrus Elementary School. For middle school, students north of East 36th Street go to Williams Middle School. Students south of East 36th Street attend Hamilton Middle School. All high school students from Independence Heights go to Booker T. Washington High School. All these schools are located within or near the community.
In 2009, a part of Independence Heights that used to go to Kennedy Elementary School was changed. Those students were then zoned to Burrus Elementary School.
Independence Heights does not have its own public library. In 2009, residents asked for a community center. City officials looked into building a center that could also include a library. They considered using a church or a property at North Main and Whitman for this new center.
Parks and Recreation
Independence Heights has its own park and community center. The park has a playground and a lighted sports field. There is also an outdoor basketball court, a swimming pool, and lighted tennis courts. The community center and pool first opened in 1970.
In 2010, about 43 people visited the community center each day it was open. The swimming pool was used by about 36 people daily during the summer. In May 2011, the city announced that the community center and swimming pool would close.
Community Culture
In 2020, a special mural called "Black Towns Matter" was created in Independence Heights. This mural celebrates the community's history and importance.
Images for kids
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Independence Heights Park and Community Center
