Independence

Historic

Independence

Founded in 1835, Independence is a community rich in history, located 12 miles northeast of Brenham in Washington County. It was originally named Coles Settlement or Cole's Hill for John P. Coles, who was a member of the "Old Three Hundred" colonists who followed Stephen F. Austin into Texas when it was Mexican territory during the early 1820s. Independence had become the wealthiest community in Texas and a Baptist stronghold when selected to be the site of Baylor University in 1845. Reaching its peak during the 1850s, the town was recognized as an educational, economic, and religious center. The town of Independence became the home of many of the early leaders of Texas, including Sam Houston while he was a U.S. Senator in the 1850s. His widow is buried in a small cemetery across from the Historical Independence Baptist Church. Independence is a diverse community, which retains many of the signifiant historic structures and sites from its nineteenth-century peak. These sites and symbols, plus the beautiful landscape, contribute to the past and present story of Independence. Visitors are invited to tour these sites and the historic churches in the area. The area is popular for tours by bike, vehicle, and walking. Sites include: Old Baylor Park, Baylor on Windmill Hill, Independence Baptist Church, Coles Settlement, Sam Houston Homesite, Seward Plantation, Antique Rose Emporium, a General Store, and more. Find out much more by visiting independencetx.com. And, of course, celebrate Independence in Independence each year on July 4th. The festivities begin with a parade, a street dance and a fieworks display if weather conditions allow. Follow the Independence Community Events page on Facebook for information on that and other events that happen throughout the year.