Chappell Hill

Texas

Texas is known for bigger than life hospitality, large festivals and breathtaking scenery – Washington County happens to be the home of the small community of Chappell Hill which encompasses all of these characteristics. Established in 1849 by Mary Elizabeth Haller, who founded the town on 100 acres of land she bought. She then named the town after her maternal grandfather Robert Wooding Chappell. The area around the town was settled by planters from the Deep South and, thanks to the fertile soil of the Brazos River valley, cotton became the area's main crop. The town reached a population of about 3,000 before the Civil War and became home to numerous churches, and two colleges, Soule University for men and Chappell Hill Female College for women, as well a Masonic Lodge that is still active today. Located in the heart of Texas, Chappell Hill offers an ideal setting for homes, ranches and businesses with beautiful scenery, rolling green hills, tranquil lakes, historic Texas landmarks and country charm, yet the "big city" is less than an hour away. Today the community has attracted historians that have renovated historic homes and buildings, and their Main Street is a National Register Historic District. Rich with history, community events, a museum and a mesmerizing downtown, the community is a stop for many tourists throughout the entire year, especially during the spring with fieldsand fieldsof wildflwers. Chappell Hill has become home to many entrepreneurs who office from home or have relocated their business to the area to enjoy a tranquil peace of the country while yet enjoying all the resources Washington County has to offer. The town is home to the Biggest Small Town Independence Day Parade complete with the “World Famous Marching Kazoo Band” which is sponsored by the Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce. The town hosts two of the state’s largest festivals, the OfficiaState of Texas Bluebonnet Festival as designated by the 75th Texas Legislature, and the Scarecrow Festival. The Chappell Hill Historical Society has hosted these two festivals for decades in an effort to preserve their historic buildings and culture. Festival goers make the annual pilgrimage to Chappell Hill to reunite with friends and families, many hosting family reunions or weddings in conjunction with festival weekends. As a result, each festival generates signifiant tourism dollars for the county as well as providing statewide publicity which has resulted in the festivals only growing in attendance annually.

Once you cross the Brazos River the historic town of Chappell Hill provides a tranquil setting and is home to some of Texas’ rich history and major tourist events in the area, yet the town embraces you with that small home town feeling. Come explore Chappell Hill: enjoy some of the new businesses on Main Street and be sure to come enjoy some of the many family events hosted by the small town with a big heart.