Bryan
The story of Bryan, Texas begins with the homesteading pioneers of Stephen F. Austin’s Second Colony that in the 1820’s and 1830’s settled the area that became Brazos County and neighboring counties. The city of Bryan, Texas is named for William Joel Bryan who was a nephew of Stephen F. Austin. The Houston and Texas Central Railroad (H&TC RR) was looking for a townsite so in 1859 Mr. Bryan donated land that was platted for the original town. Shortly thereafter the H&TC RR Co. began to build a railroad bed and lay tracks. The Civil War caused a pause in railroad construction. However about 300 residents planned ahead and began building homes at the townsite. In addition to the Austin’s Colony families, new homesteaders of German, Czech, and Italian descent set up farms and built homes. After the war, in 1866, railroad construction resumed. The railroad, telegraph service and the first general store came to the new town by 1867, the year the city incorporated, and the first courthouse was built by 1871.
Education has always been important in Bryan. Among the new institutions were the Texas Odd Fellows University and Orphanage, Bryan Male and Female Seminary, Bryan Academy, and Allen Academy. Next door at College Station the Texas Agricultural & Mechanical College opened in 1876 and has been very important ever since. Population in 1884 was about 3,000 residents who supported Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian, and Episcopal churches. The young city also hosted two public schools, a 500-seat opera house, cotton gin, Odd Fellows Hall, two banks, two buggy and wagon factories, two planning mills. In 1889 was available electric lighting and a city waterworks. By 1900 the second railroad arrived, the International-Great Northern for a population of 3,589, Three additional educational institutions began, being the Villa Ursuline Academy in 1901, and two Baptist schools, the Bryan Baptist Academy in 1909; preceded by the Texas Women’s College in 1902.
In 1910 an interurban railroad served Bryan and College Station that had a population of 4,132. That ran until the mid-1920s when bus service replaced it. The productive farms of the rich Brazos Valley soil made the city during that time a major cotton-shipping point. Bryan continued attracting new residents: the 1920 census counted 6,307 residents, 7,814 in 1930, and 11,842 in 1940. Retailers such as The Sears and Roebuck Co. had a successful store in Bryan. Homeowners built up new subdivisions.
The 1930’s Depression effects were blunted by completion of Texas State Highway 6. National mobilization in the 1940’s created a WWII aviation training base, the Bryan Army Airfield. Post-war expansion was bright: the census found: in 1950 there were 18,072 residents, 1960 27,542, 1970 33,141, 1980 44,337, 1990 55,002, through to 83,950 population in 2017. Economic diversification increased via university-related businesses including high-tech manufacturing, defense electronics, and agribusiness, by way of partnership by Bryan and College Station.
A high quality of life is enjoyed by Bryan residents who feel safe due to the low crime rate. Also important to families are Bryan’s highly rated public schools. Several active home-schooling networks and private schools provide excellent educational options. When a young student is ready for college, nearby Texas A&M University is a top-tier option. Job opportunities abound and the steady growth make Bryan a good place to for business start-ups. Bryan still has its small-town feel along with its twin-city status with College Station.
When you want big city offerings, the metro areas of Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston are an easy trip. Even with all these plus factors the cost of living here is low overall. Several hospitals and clinics keep you in good hands with high quality healthcare. Start your calendar with First Friday in downtown Bryan. Many nearby lakes, parks, town parks, golf courses, swimming pools, supply abundant recreational options. Add to that several art centers and museums, activities at nearby Texas A&M University, dining selections from traditional small-town diners, cafes, and Texas B-B-Q to fancier restaurants, giving you fun choices among friendly people with plenty of Texas hospitality.