Brazos Country

Cat Spring

BRAZOS COUNTRY - In 1978, a small independent oil company from Houston, probably looking for investments because of the profits that the high prices of oil were bringing, came into Austin County and purchased 650 acres of ranch land immediately west of the Brazos River and south of I-10. The ranch, known as the Chew Ranch, consisted of approximately 1,000 acres, 350 of which were kept by the ranch to raise cattle along the banks of the river.

The 650-acre tract was subdivided into plots of 1,2, and 3 acres and development of the subdivision known as Brazos Country began. In 1979 the first few houses were built and occupied by owners whose job locations ranged from Rosenberg to Houston. As the years passed new houses were built, slowed greatly by the economic downturn of the mid-1980’s. When the economy rebounded in the early 1990’s, growth of new homes increased accordingly as more and more families moved to Brazos Country and began their daily commutes to Houston. In 1997, an investment group from Houston bought the remaining 350 acres of ranch land and began construction of an upscale golf course. River Ridge’s 27 holes opened for play in late 1998. Since its inception, River Ridge has been in the top ten rankings of golf courses in the greater Houston area. Sadly, the golf course was permanently closed in November of 2017.

In 1999, Katy Mills Mall opened. The growth of Katy and the impending growth of the I-10 corridor prompted the residents of Brazos Country to petition Austin County to hold an incorporation election in May 2000. By a large margin, residents voted to incorporate as a municipality. State laws mandated the City of Brazos Country as a Class B municipality limited to two square miles, because the population was under 600. Today, the City of Brazos Country, recognized as a community of executive homes and beautiful landscape, is still experiencing growing pains and will soon surpass the 600-population figure.

CAT SPRING is located a few miles southwest of Bellville, the county seat. Soils range from deep sand and sandy loams to heavy mixed soils. The rolling prairie-type land made it easy to start farming. Water was available for livestock and domestic uses. Near the original settlement (not where Cat Spring is today) is a large spring. The community received its name when a son of Leopold von R Röder killed a puma at one of the springs of the San Bernard River near the family farm. It was is first called Wildcat Spring but was later shortened to Cat Spring (Katzenquelle). It has been documented that the occasional “cat” still roams the countryside today.

The Cat Spring, settlement was founded in 1834 by the German Otto von Röder family who came to Texas as a result of Industry’s “Ernst Letter,” published in Germany. At that time Austin County had a population of about a thousand people. The little town began to grow and by 1880 it had a gin, a saw mill, a grist mill and a planing mill. There was also a hotel, a saddle shop, a shoe shop, a school and a church. Cat Spring, located on the early travel route from San Felipe to Industry, today, is at the intersection of FM 2187 and FM 949. A 1936 Texas State Historical marker honors this early German settlement and the pioneer families of von Roeder, Kleberg, and Amsler.

Cat Spring today is a beautiful rolling hill area alive with wildflowers, vineyards, show horse farms, cattle ranches and at the right time of year an abundance of birds and wildlife. It has several unique Bed & Breakfast facilities as well as a famous local stop for some of the best cat fish you will ever eat at Cross Roads Tavern on Friday nights. 10 Visitor’s Guide

CAT SPRING AGRICULTURAL HALL – “Landwirth-Schaftlicher Verein.” Germans and some Czechs formed this Agricultural Society in 1856, to share information and tips on how to farm. The Agricultural Society still holds some agricultural related functions here, but the unique structure has an expanded purpose and hosts a multitude of activities today. The hall is available for rental. Each June brings the Annual June Fest and in September the hall hosts one of the largest Antique Shows in the area. The hall is located at 13035 Hall Rd. Cat Spring, Texas. For information and schedule of events call (979) 885-2540.