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Brenham, TX

Frequently asked questions

Brenham, TX

Brenham is a city in east-central Texas in Washington County, United States, with a population of 17,369 according to the 2020 U.S. census. It is the county seat of Washington County. 

Brenham is also known for its annual German heritage festival that takes place each May called Maifest, similar to Volksfest.  Numerous German immigrants settled here in the mid-19th century, following the revolutions in German states in 1848. Brenham is also the Home of "the World's Largest BBQ Pit" on US 290 West. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.8 square miles (22.7 km2), all land.

The area surrounding Brenham was occupied by various Native American tribes through the 19th century. The Brenham area was part of the Old Three Hundred, the first authorized colonization of Texas by Anglo-Americans led by Stephen F. Austin. In the 1820s and 1830s, several small communities developed in the area. In 1843, the Hickory Grove community was renamed Brenham in memory of a local physician, Richard Fox Brenham, who died while serving in the Texian militia during the Mier Expedition. 

On February 4, 1844, Washington County voters selected Brenham to become the county seat. German immigrants settled in Brenham as early as 1846. With the exception of the Civil War years, the German-born population of Brenham increased throughout the second half of the 19th century. The largest number of German immigrants arrived between 1880 and 1883. Jewish immigrants to Brenham established one of Texas' first Orthodox synagogues in 1885, which was relocated to Austin in 2015.

Brenham focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Brenham Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Brenham Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Crave Fitness Studio. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Brenham, such as Hohlt Park and Linda Anderson Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Brenham, TX are Brenham Heritage Museum, Fireman's Park, and Giddings Stone Mansion.

Population: 19,728 (2024). ZIP code: 77833. Area code: 979. Elevation: 312 ft (95 m). Area: 13.03 sq mi (33.74 km2).  

FAQs

Why is Brenham the birthplace of Texas?

It was on March 2, 1836, that a delegation of 59 men gathered at Washington on the Brazos to draft a Declaration of Independence and establish a constitution for a new nation. They declared Texas a “free, sovereign and independent republic.” Washington County, the “Birthplace of Texas,” is etched in the history books forever. Brenham is the county seat for this historic and scenic region. The area was opened to settlement in 1821, one of the earliest settled areas in Texas.

What is the poverty rate in Brenham, TX?

In 2022, the median household income of Brenham households was $52,664. Brenham households made slightly more than Canton households ($52,500), Lockney households ($52,500), and Caney City households ($52,500) . However, 13.3% of Brenham families live in poverty.

Is Brenham, TX safe?

The crime rate in Brenham is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Brenham is 1 in 53. Based on FBI crime data, Brenham is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Texas, Brenham has a crime rate that is higher than 72% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Brenham

Brenham Parks and Recreation Department

Brenham Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Crave Fitness Studio

Hohlt Park 

Linda Anderson Park

Brenham Heritage Museum

Fireman's Park

Giddings Stone Mansion

Our Story

Texas Demographics

Neighborhoodscout

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