Brenham TX

BRENHAM

Brenham began as Hickory Grove in 1843 and took its current name the following year for Dr. Richard Fox Brenham (1812–1843), a physician who served as a surgeon in the Republic of Texas army. The town was incorporated in 1866, and Washington County became the first county in Texas to have a railroad. On July 8th, 1861, citizens gathered at the courthouse to urge Texas to secede from the Union.
Brenham’s strong German and Czech heritage still shapes the town today, and you can see it reflected in its museums, architecture, and community traditions.

Here are some images of Brenham — visited often, it is a town dear to our hearts.

Bartop and bar stools in warm, low light inside a Brenham bar.

A Brenham Bartop - click to enlarge

This view of lined up stools and a well-seasoned bartop, waiting for customers to arrive, is in one of the first restaurants we visited in Brenham.

The town has some excellent, culturally and ethnically diverse places to eat and drink - what better reason to keep returning to this quaint, yet vibrant town.

Red brick fire museum building in downtown Brenham

Fire Company Museum - click to enlarge

The city has a very close relationship with the Fire Department. The 'Burning of Brenham' in late 1866 saw the destruction of over half of the town. It all started with a disagreement in a dance hall, and ended with Union soldiers setting fire to the city.

It is no wonder then, that Brenham Fire Company No. 1 in South Market Street is now a beautifully kept and fascinating museum honoring firefighters.

Old red brick railroad depot building in downtown Brenham now housing a restaurant.

The Old Train Depot - click to enlarge

Brenham also has a long history with the railroad, first arriving in April 1861 with the Washington County Railroad. The railroad has evolved through many iterations, but up to 40 trains pass through the city daily.

This shows the Old Train Depot dating back to 1869 - reimagined as a Smokehouse restaurant.

Brenham is famous for its love of art, and in particular for the excellent murals around the town. Here is a gallery with a few examples that you'll find on a wander around downtown.

Owl mural with stylized branches on a building wall in downtown Brenham.

Owl Family

Colorful mural of a woman and a bear on a building in downtown Brenham.

Lady and the Bear

Longhorn

Grayscale portrait and a painted horse with woman on a downtown Brenham mural.

Blind Willie and Paint the Town

Keep Growing

Large bird and bright flowers painted on a building wall in Brenham.

Love Yourself

Father and two children in cowboy boots walking across South Park Street in downtown Brenham.

South Park Street - click to enlarge

Brenham is a quintessentially Texan town - it is a hub not only for residents and visitors - it is also for everyone in the surrounding communities, including smaller towns, ranches and farms.

It's not surprising then, to see a family out and about, all dressed in their blue jeans, cowboy hats and boots. It's a Texan Town with Texas folk!

Washington County Courthouse in downtown Brenham, Texas, with flagpoles in view.

Washington County Courthouse - click to enlarge

A final shot of the Washington County Courthouse in at the heart of downtown Brenham. The first three courthouses were constructed at various times throughout the 19th century.

The present courthouse is Art Deco in style, built in 1939 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

After the town so endeared itself to us, we continued to other fascinating places further to the west and south.

Click on the street sign to continue the journey.

Street sign at South Main and West Travis with a stone building in the background in La Grange, Texas.

Click to continue the journey