City of Brenham history

Independence was originally called Coles Settlement and began in 1824 on land granted by Mexico to Judge John Prince Coles, one of Austin’s 300 colonists.

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.

In 1839, a Baptist church was established and is still active today.

Chappell Hill was founded in 1847 and prospered in the early days, becoming a popular stagecoach stop.

Led by local attorney and community leader J.D. Giddings, the Washington County Railroad was established and completed in 1861.

Historical records indicate on the night of September 7, 1866 there was an altercation between the citizens of Brenham and several drunken Union soldiers.

In 1867 the Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in Texas for both African American and German Methodists.

It was not until 1874 that a hook and ladder truck was purchased for $489.

And so in 1878 the Mechanics Engine Company No.

The Fire Department started another important tradition here when it held the first County Fair in 1881.

2 was organized in 1882 and three years later, the Conner Hose Company was formed.

In November 1883, the Mechanics Engine Company and the Hook and Ladder Company No.

The next courthouse, built in 1885, is pictured below.

The hurricane of 1900, which destroyed City Hall, also caused extensive damage to the Silsby Steamer.

1. Later that year, the City of Brenham purchased its first motorized firefighting apparatus for $5,000; a 1911 Webb combination hose and chemical truck.

Around 1912, many downtown buildings were remodeled, with first-floor storefronts being built with marble, copper and colorful canvas or metal awnings were added to freshen the general appearances.

In January 1914, the City Council ordered the truck to be housed at City Hall and hired the first two paid firefighters.

BFD organized this event until 1921, when the Washington County Fair Association was formed.

The steamer fought its last fire at the Wangermann-Reichardt Warehouse in 1922.

In March 1923, the Fire Department purchased an American LaFrance Chemical Engine.

In 1950 Brenham Methodist Church continued to grow and decided to build a new facility at our current location on North Baylor St and Academy.

On a early Saturday afternoon in 1963, an alarm was sounded for a structure fire at the corner of Main and Chappell Hill Streets.

In the early 1980’s, the decline of downtown led the City of Brenham to join the Texas Main Street program and much success was achieved.

In 1982, the department members along with local residents built the Fireman's Training Center on land given by an anonymous donor.

At the conclusion of her active duty, the Fire Department kept Samanthe and in 2004 funds were raised to have her restored to her original condition.

Ricky Boeker became the first paid Chief in the department's history in February, 2008.