Central Texas Profiles : Brenham, Texas

Brenham is located on highway 290; about 75 miles northwest of Houston and 90 miles from Austin. Brenham was established around 1843 and was named after a Republic Of Texas hero by the name of Dr. Richard Fox Brenham, who had practiced medicine in the area.

Brenham is located in Washington County and is the County seat, with a population nearing 15,000 and Brenham is the home and headquarters for Blue Bell Creameries. Blue Bell is the third best selling ice cream in the country, despite only being sold in about seventeen states.

The creamery was founded in 1907 as "Brenham Creamery Co." The name changed to "Blue Bell" in 1930, after the wild flower that grows in the area. In 1981 "Time" magazine devoted a seven page article to the creamery.

Brenham is known for its German heritage, and holds a festival each year in May called "Maifest." This celebration is one of the oldest German festivals in the south, with this year being the 119th celebration. The festival celebrates German heritage. Each year there is a parade, children's carnival, arts and crafts and plenty of German music and much more.

Brenham is also famous for its Bed and Breakfasts. "Far View" is a bed and breakfast estate that was restored in 1925. It is a prairie-style home and is a "Texas Recorded Historical Landmark." There are several bed and breakfasts in the Brenham area and each has its own unique way of pleasing its visitors, whether they are on business or just wanting a romantic getaway.

Another popular destination for visitors and residents is the "Antique Rose Emporium." The renowned 8 acre garden center is beautifully landscaped displaying old garden roses, native plants, old fashioned perennials and herbs. The gardens also have a restored 1855 stone kitchen, and 1850's salt house and many other restored buildings that are original to the site.

Brenham also has a downtown historic main street. There are historical buildings as well as the Unity Theatre, where past historic events come to life on stage. The historic district has many restaurants as well as 40 shops and stores to visit.

Brenham is home of "Washington on the Brazos." The park is located on the original town site of Washington. Washington on the Brazos is a state historic site and is located on 293 acres. The park is open year round and is open to the public. Visitor's can stroll through the park and enjoy picnic lunches on the grounds.

Brenham is surrounded with rolling hills that come to life in the spring with beautiful Blue Bonnets and other wild flowers. Be sure to bring your camera and take a few snap shots.

Brenham has much to offer visitors and residents. From romantic getaways in a historic bed and breakfast, to strolling through historical sites downtown. There is always something interesting to do. Plan a vacation or just simply stop in on your way through and visit some of Texas' history.


Inside Houston helps people looking for homes in Houston Texas. They have a Houston real estate blog with updated market information. They also have statistical information on Houston real estate and Brenham real estate.