Honky Tonk Foodie
Brazoria County can be found in the Texas Gulf Coast region, and it’s included in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan statistical area. Its name comes from the Brazos River. Rich history lives here, and the best place to explore it is the Brazoria Historical Museum! Beginning with the 1800s, each room showcases a different time period. Dedicated to the story of settlement, many different perspectives are given light. The Karankawa Indians were early inhabitants of the land. In the 1820s, another group made a home here: Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300, the first 300 Anglo settlers brought here when the area was still considered part of Mexico. Later, as this land was officially part of the United States, many African Americans formed successful communities here.
Looking for a way to celebrate Black History Month? The African American room represents Brazoria County’s most extensive homage to Black History. Historical displays include antique household items, old shackles, and a newspaper article advertising the slave trade, as well as representations about the lives of Charlie & Isabella Brown, Henry O. Tanner, and Nathan Haller, one of the first two African-Americans elected to the Texas State Legislature. Additionally, in 2021, each Saturday in February will feature a special event!
Photo: @vesnoi_ via Twenty20
The museum is a treasure trove of information about Brazoria County plantations and ranches, ties to the Civil War, early businesses, and important people, as well as military memorabilia, vintage grocery store merchandise, early school room artifacts, and home items. There is even an environmental room, which is a big hit with kids! The museum is located in the main building of the Brazoria Civic Center and is open for self-guided tours, Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Docents are onsite Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group tours are available by appointment. Donations for entry are greatly appreciated!
