Region: Hill Country
Settled in 1856 by Welcome William Chandler. In 1885, the first passenger
train rolled into Brownwood, beginning a new era in the town's history. A flour
mill was built in 1887––only the second of its kind in Texas. In 1909, Brownwood
became the largest buying center west of Fort Worth. The Santa Fe Railroad was
integral in the establishment of Daniel Baker College and Howard Payne College,
as well as the Camp Bowie WWII training camp in the 1940s. Substantial
industrial development propelled Brownwood into its current position as an
economic and recreational hub for the area.
Historic Greenleaf Cemetery is the burial place for Capt. Weston Williams,
son-in-law of Gen. Sam Houston, and Noah T. Byars, in whose blacksmith shop at
Washington-on-the-Brazos the Texas Declaration of Independence was written. It's
also the gravesite of Robert Howard, author noted for his Conan the Barbarian
tales.
Brownwood is on the Texas Forts Trail, the Great Texas Wildlife Trail and the
Wildflower Trail. It is also home to the Historic Downtown shopping and cultural
district, sporting facilities, aquatic center, convention and meeting space,
reunion and camp facilities, Lake Brownwood and hunting.
Annual events include the Stars of Texas Art Exhibit, Lone Star Fair and
Expo, Heart of Texas Quilt Show, Texas Bluegrass Festival, Brown County Rodeo
and Parade, Brownwood Reunion Celebration, Arts and Crafts Fair, Christmas Under
the Stars Festival and numerous sporting events, performances and lake
activities.