Prairie Hill, Washington County, Texas facts for kids
Prairie Hill is a small, unincorporated community in Washington County, Texas, United States. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city. Prairie Hill was started in 1870. It grew a lot from the 1880s to the 1960s and is still an active community today.
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Where is Prairie Hill Located?
Prairie Hill is about six miles north of the city of Brenham. You can find it at the corner of Old Independence Road (also called County Road 60) and Prairie Hill Road (County Road 63). Its exact location is 30°14′56″N 96°22′38″W / 30.24889°N 96.37722°W.
What Was Prairie Hill Like?
The heart of the Prairie Hill community used to be the corner of Prairie Hill Road and Old Independence Road. Many important places were there. These included the Saint John Lutheran Church and the Hafer General Store. There was also the Prairie Hill School and a doctor's office.
About half a mile north on Old Independence Road, you would find the Prairie Hill dance hall. This was a place where people gathered for music and dancing. Next to the church were the Prairie Hill Cemetery and a cotton gin. A cotton gin is a machine that separates cotton fibers from their seeds.
Today, only the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church and its cemetery remain from the original community buildings.
The History of Prairie Hill
German immigrants first settled in Prairie Hill in the early 1870s. In 1876, the community officially formed the St. John's Lutheran Church. The church building was made bigger in 1911. Sadly, it burned down in 1912. However, the community quickly rebuilt it in the same year. The church later joined the Texas Lutheran synod in 1925. A synod is a group of churches that work together.
Prairie Hill Today: A Living Community
Many of the old buildings that made Prairie Hill a busy community are gone. The school, the dance hall, and the general store are no longer there. Because of this, some people might think Prairie Hill is a ghost town. But it is still a very active and lively place.
Saint John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill is still very active. It has over 450 members and is the main center of community life. Many local activities are supported by the church. Prairie Hill Books, an online bookstore, now operates where the old school used to be. The Prairie Hill Volunteer Fire Department also continues to serve the area. Plus, there are active local groups like 4-H and the County Extension office.
Famous People from Prairie Hill
- Nell O'Day - a well-known actress, was born in Prairie Hill.
