THE FIRST SPIRAL
As we started to visit places further to the west we found many more interesting settlements and towns, many with origins dating back to when Texas was very young. Texas is unique in the United States in that six different flags have flown over the region (and even a few others in some parts). As a result, it is a very ethnically diverse place and many of the towns take great pride in preserving the history of the origings of the people who settled there.
Here are some scenes from a few of the interesting places we found as we moved west from our home in The Woodlands.
Clock and Bell Tower (1895) - click to enlarge
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1955 Waller County Courthouse - click to enlarge
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Hempstead is a town of around 5,500 souls. It is at the junctions of three major highways, and is on the eastern edge of the Brazos River Valley and is the county seat of Waller County.
The county has just recently opened a brand new courthouse complex, but these two images show the tower housing the clock and bell from the 19th Century Courthouse, and the 1955 Courthouse entrance. |
The Flags Over Texas Monument - click to enlarge
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Navasota is north of Hempstead and is also at the crossroads of two major highways. It is a little larger, with around 7,600 people and is also on the eastern edge of the Brazos River Valley.
Just to the southeast of the town is the Six Flags Monument, pictured here. It is a lovely countryside spot to learn a little about Texas history. |
Barrington Farmhouse - click to enlarge
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A little way down Hwy 105 is Washington-on-the-Brazos. This is the site of the Convention of 1836 where Texan signed the Declaration of Independence. Texas finally became a State on December 29, 1845.
Pictured here is Barrington Farmhouse part of the fascinating State Historic Site. |
