Sealy

SEALY, located at the intersection of I-10 and Hwy 36 (just 48 miles west of Houston) in south central Austin County, was formed as a railroad town in 1879. Once part of the San Felipe de Austin Town Corporation land was sold to the railroad and named to honor George Sealy, a Galveston railroad director. Sealy became a commercial shipping center and many of the early residents were railroad employees. In 1889 a fire on Front Street obliterated the wooden commercial property near the railroad. Sealy experienced a series of misfortunes, including a disastrous Brazos River flood in 1899, the relocation of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe division headquarters to Bellville in January of the next year, and the devastating hurricane of 1900, which struck in September. The establishment, however, of such manufacturing enterprises as the Sealy Mattress Factory, the Engleking Brothers Broom Factory, and the Sealy National Bank helped to build the commercial reputation with their help the town rebuilt and today is the largest town in the County.

Sealy’s claim to fame comes from the world famous “Sealy Mattress.” Although no Sealy mattresses were ever manufactured here, Daniel Haynes (ca. 1885) perfected the technique and equipment patents in Sealy which he later sold in 1889 to a group of investors who went on to make the “Sealy Mattress” a household name.

Browsing through Sealy’s Historic Downtown area with antique and gift shops, quaint Cafes, museums, some housed in historic buildings along with many shopping districts throughout the city are a great start to any weekend. Many historic period homes abound in and around town to add to your enjoyment. If you are one of those that live to eat true Texas style southern cuisine- Sealy boasts at least two legendary eateries Tony’s Family Restaurant serving locals and visitors since 1936 and Hinze’s BBQ, voted one of the ten best in the state. You can pick from over 30 different food establishments, so Sealy does have something for just about everyone! For racing enthusiasts Sealy’s Lone Star Motorsports Park is a member of the IHRA, and races from January to November.

Sealy is a multifaceted modern city with lots to offer the visitor looking to spend a quiet weekend in the country or people looking for a quality of life they can’t find in the big city. A faith-based municipality with good schools, strong business community, and Progressive City government which all makes Sealy a unique place to visit or a great place to raise a family. Our welcome mat is always out!