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Historically speaking, Brazosport is where Texas history began. It is where the group known as Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" first stepped off the schooner "Lively." The schooner landed near the mouth of the Brazos River in 1821 bringing men full of hope, courage and the will to survive. They met the challenge of war that greeted them and achieved the reward that solidified them. After engaging in many hard fought battles, they defeated General Lopez Santa Anna (the leader of Mexico's army), and Texas became a Republic. Their hardships and sacrifices were finally rewarded with the signing of the Treaties of Velasco, which gave Texas its independence. Stephen F. Austin, a hero and driving force of the Texas Revolution, later died in West Columbia, Texas. Austin's body was transported down the Brazos River to Peach Point in present day Jones Creek, and buried in an honors tomb at Gulf Prairie Cemetery. In 1910, despite strong family objections, Austin's body was removed from his grave and transported by wagon to Brazoria and placed on a train, traveling to Austin where his final resting place remains today at the State Cemetery.
Lake Jackson Historical Museum
979-297-1570
www.lakejacksonmuseum.org
The Lake Jackson Historical Museum chronicles the history of the area through interactive exhibits from the plantation era to modern industry. Let Alden Dow explain why Lake Jackson's streets are named This Way or That Way. Abner Jackson Plantation site tours are offered through the museum. Closed on Mondays. FREE admission.
Alden B. Dow Office Museum
979-297-1570
http://74.54.42.242/~ljhm/index.php?page=plan-your-trip
One of the first buildings constructed in the city, it housed many of Lake Jackson's firsts; including the post office, city hall, barber shop, and much more. The Office now houses the area's 1943 history. Experience life in a new town during World War II. Discover early printing techniques, the rationing system and solve a crime like local Cap Brown. Open the first and third Saturday of every month or by appointment. FREE admission.
Freeport Historical Museum
979-233-3526
Visit our Site
Several blocks of early 1900 historic buildings surround the museum. A model of the old swing bridge is prominently displayed along with other historical memorabilia and photos. Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays. FREE admission.
Brazosport Museum of Natural Science
979-265-7831
www.bmns.org
The museum contains the largest seashell collection in the South along with fossils, including dinosaurs and mammoth bones. Other exhibits feature Texas coastal wildlife and a unique jade and ivory collection. FREE admission. Closed Mondays.
Brazoria County Historical Museum
979-388-1288
www.bchm.org
Located in Brazoria County's historic 1897 courthouse the museum has an extensive Austin Colony exhibit. It give patrons a definitive interpretation of the events leading from the earliest inhabitants, to the Anglo-American immigration into Spanish Texas, and through and including the Texas Revolution and Independence from Mexico. FREE admission. Closed Sundays.
Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church & Cemetery
979-233-2464
http://www.gulf-prairie.org/Cemetery.htm
Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, was originally buried at this pioneer cemetery in Jones Creek. The cemetery was part of the Peach Point Plantation, which Austin considered to be his only home in Texas. The Plantation was the home of Austin's sister Emily Austin Bryan Perry. He is now buried in the state cemetery in Austin.
Stephen F. Austin Statue
979-849-6443
The Stephen F. Austin Statue is a tribute to the Father of Texas. Located in the ten acre, Henry William Munson Park in Angleton, the seventy-foot statue is a reminder of the importance of Brazoria County's rich history.
Varner-Hogg Plantation
979-345-4656, West Columbia
http://www.visitvarnerhoggplantation.com/index.aspx?page=19
This majestic antebellum home tells the story of its three owners: Austin colonist Martin Varner, sugarcane mogul Columbus Patton and Texas Gov. James S. Hogg. This property hosted sugar cane production, rum distilling and oil drilling as it transitioned through families. Closed Mondays.
Surfside Historical Museum
979-233-1531
http://www.surfsidebeachtx.org
A display of artifacts and exhibits on the history of Surfside Beach, Fort Velasco, Brazoria County and Texas. Outside monuments commemorate the Battle of Velasco and sinking of the Acadia during the Civil War. FREE admission
Mammoth Lake Scuba Park/Asiel's
979-266-9771
http://www.mammothlakescuba.com
In 2003, the remains of a Colombian Mammoth were unearthed at this site. Shortly thereafter, the remains of another Mammoth, along with camels, a saber-toothed tiger, and others were found. The on-site restaurant is the home to the mammoth artifacts.
More Historical Sites:
The Mystery - Shrimp Boat Fleet Monument in Freeport
Quintana Beach County Park Historical Museum
1933 Brazoria School, Civic Center and Museum in Brazoria
Replica of the First Capitol of the Republic of Texas in West Columbia
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