Brenham, Texas

If you have ever had the opportunity to visit this nice small town, you will realize why it is a popular escape from the rat-race of Houston. Brenham has the most attractive new fire station I have seen, reminiscent of a firehouse structure from a hundred years ago. In front of this fire station is a small glass-enclosed museum that houses a vintage horse-drawn fire wagon. Brenham is best known as the home of the Blue Bell ice cream factory. Brenham is also the home of Blinn College, the oldest county-owned junior college in Texas.  The largest celebration in town is the German heritage festival (known as Maifest) held each May.  Brenham is the county seat of Washington County. First known as Hickory Grove, the community changed its name in 1843 to Brenham in honor of Republic of Texas hero Dr. Richard Fox Brenham, who had practiced medicine in the vicinity.