11/28/2024
A beautiful nod to the past in historic ! The exhibit opens the first full weekend on December here! Don’t miss it!!!
As you stroll through Brenham, you can almost hear the echoes of its past—the lively discussions among the Old Three Hundred settlers who started this community and the bustling cotton markets of the 19th century.
Founded in 1844, Brenham began as an agricultural hub, thriving on cotton production and serving as a vital trade center for the surrounding areas. The railroad's arrival transformed the landscape, connecting Brenham to larger markets and ushering in a new era of economic growth.
German immigrants settled here in the mid-1800s, bringing their traditions and customs, while Jewish settlers established one of Texas' first Orthodox synagogues. But equally important is the story of Brenham's African American community.
In the years following the Civil War, African Americans played a crucial role in shaping Brenham's identity. Despite the challenges of Reconstruction and segregation, they built thriving businesses, churches, and schools that became pillars of resilience and progress.
Today, historic Downtown Brenham is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places—the charming streets are lined with buildings dating back to the 1860s. It's also home to the beloved Blue Bell Creameries, producer of Texas' favorite ice cream since 1911. The town's German heritage is celebrated annually at Maifest, while the antique carousel at Fireman's Park, one of only five surviving classic wooden carousels in Texas, continues to delight both young and old.
As Brenham hosts the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with its own story while exploring the broader narrative of rural America’s evolution. In Brenham, history is a living part of everyday life, inviting all who come to witness how small towns adapt and thrive through change.
The “Crossroads” exhibit will be on display at the Barnhill Center at historic Simon Theatre from December 7, 2024, through January 19, 2025.
📸: Visit Brenham/Washington County, Texas
