The Texas Independence Trail is comprised of a 28-county area stretching more than 200 miles, from San Antonio to Galveston. In Texas History, no era is more distinctive or accented by a higher number of epic events than the struggle for independence. “Remember the Alamo” is a clarion cry that has reverberated around the world for more than 185 years.
The Texas Bed and Breakfast Association is proud to boast the following members are in the vicinity of the Texas Independence Trail and we’ve highlighted some that may have historical significance.
Brenham in Washington County:
You may know Brenham and Washington County for various reasons: it’s the home of Blue Bell ice cream, which is also part of the exhibits in the Brenham Heritage Museum.
Most importantly, Washington-on-the-Brazos is known as “the birthplace of Texas” because, on March 1, 1836, Texas delegates met in the town to formally announce Texas’ intention to separate from Mexico and to draft a constitution for the new Republic of Texas. They organized an interim government to serve until a permanent one could be formed. The delegates adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, signing it on the following day.
Where to stay:
Ant Street Inn is a registered historic landmark, located right in the middle of historic downtown Brenham. While you are there Ask Suzy and Keith more about this part of the Texas Independence trail.
They also own The Main Street House in Brenham just a few blocks away.
San Antonio in Bexar County:
The city was named after the Portuguese San Antonio de Padua , whose feast day is celebrated on June 13, when a Spanish expedition stopped in the area in 1691. It is famous for its Spanish missions, the Alamo , the Paseo del Río, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Tower of the Americas just to name of few.
The city was founded in 1718, specifically on May 5, as recorded in the diary of the expedition commanded by Governor Martín de Alarcón, written by Fray Francisco Céliz:
“On the 5th day of the month of May (1718) the Lord Governor took possession in the name of His Majesty of the place called San Antonio, placing himself there and affixing the royal standard with the necessary solemnity, having previously celebrated mass by the chaplain father, and the Villa de Béjar was put there, and from then on that place was destined to put the neighborhood and soldiers for him deputies, as well as the one that is about three quarters of a league down the stream, where said governor put the Mission of San Antonio de Valero ”. History from Wikipedia
Where to stay:
Arbor House’s history goes way back to 1903. A Swiss cabinet maker built these cottage homes for himself and his family. Conveniently located, you’re one block away from the historic La Villita and River Walk and two blocks from the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, and walking distance from Tower of Americas. Arbor House received the prestigious San Antonio Conservation Society award. The San Antonio Conservation Society has been responsible for saving many city structures from destruction.
The Brackenridge House Bed and Breakfast is in the heart of the historic German King William District of San Antonio. This two-story Greek revival mansion was built around 1901 by John T. Brackenridge, nephew of philanthropist, George Brackenridge. The Brackenridge House is located just two blocks from the famous River Walk and a short stroll to the Alamo and the Convention Center. The Brackenridge House opened its doors as a bed and breakfast in 1986 and received a restoration award from the San Antonio Conservation Society in 1987.
The Oge House is one of Noble Inns’ 3 properties. This exquisite antebellum mansion sits on 1.5 acres overlooking the famed San Antonio Riverwalk, surrounded by lush plantings, rose gardens and lawns. Guests can walk to The Alamo. Situated in the King William Historic District (San Antonio’s first planned subdivision), the Oge House was the first significant home built in the area. The house was built in 1881 by Louis Oge who made his fortune in the land and cattle business. The Oge family lived there for more than 60 years.
Floresville in Wilson County:
Heading south on the Texas Independence trail you will go through the town of Floresville, (originally named Lodi) which was founded in 1867, established as the Wilson County seat in 1873, and incorporated in 1890. Floresville is named after Don Francisco Flores de Abrego, an early settler from the Canary Islands. In 1886, Floresville became the first town reached by the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad. Floresville is known as the peanut capital of Texas and is popular during the annual Peanut Festival in October.
Where to stay, Check for members close to the area.
Galveston county:
Sixteenth-century Spanish explorers knew Galveston Island as the Isla de Malhado, the “Isle of Misfortune”, or Isla de Culebras, the “Isle of Snakes”. In 1519, the expedition led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda actually sailed past Galveston Island while he was charting the route from the Florida peninsula to the Pánuco River. The information gathered from the expedition enabled the Spanish government to establish control over the entire Gulf Coast, including Galveston Island. In 1783, José Antonio de Evia, a Spanish navigator, surveyed the area and named the bay Galveston to honor Bernardo de Gálvez, who supported the United States in the Revolutionary War.
Galveston County was formally established under the Republic of Texas on May 15, 1838. The county was formed from territory taken from Harrisburg, Liberty, and Brazoria Counties, with governmental organization taking place in 1839. The island and city of Galveston was by far the most important population center. The city of Galveston was the republic’s largest city and its center of commerce and culture. Port Bolivar on the Bolivar Peninsula was a port of secondary importance.
Other development in the area was initially mostly ranching interests and small farming communities. Texas soon joined the United States, and Galveston’s importance continued to grow as it came to dominate the worldwide cotton trade. As railroads between Galveston, Harrisburg, Houston, and other towns were built during the 19th century, small communities grew up along the rail lines. Nevertheless, Galveston continued to remain a prominent destination for the shipping and trade industries.
Galveston also served as the capital of the Republic of Texas when, in 1836, interim president David G. Burnet relocated his government there. This history is from Wikipedia
Where to stay:
Harborwalk Lodge on the Bay is located in the town of Hitchcock, originally named Highland. The town was renamed around 1873, when Emily Hitchcock, widow of Galveston civic leader Lent Hitchcock. Who offered a 450-foot-wide tract from Cow Gully east to the section house for a town site if the railroad would name the community for her husband. Hitchcock was created as a station for the railroad between Galveston and Houston in 1873. Take a short trip away to the San Jacinto Battleground historic site where Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna. There is beautiful huge monument and park there.
The Galveston East End Guest House is perfectly situated to provide what you need for a getaway. Just 1/2 mile from the beach and historic Pleasure Pier to the south and a 15 minute walk to the historic Strand entertainment district to the west. And within walking distance of the Galveston Trolley. The trolley system is up and running after years of repairs for damage from Hurricane Ike. So in 1974, to preserve and maintain the heritage of the neighborhood, the East End Historical District Association (EEHDA) was formed. Then in 1976 the neighborhood was designated a National Historic Landmark.
We hope you find this Texas Independence Trail and list of our member’s properties helpful. We look forward to seeing your posts and pictures on Facebook & IG, tagging us using @Texasbba and the hashtag #texasbedandbreakfastassociation
See you on the porch!
As your travels around Texas many take you to more communities, please visit our member search for more great places to stay along the way.
Main Photo courtesy of Texas Historical Commission
