Region: Prairies and Lakes
Anglo-American settlement began here in the 1820s, when Stephen F. Austin's
colony was founded a few miles to the northeast. When the railroads arrived,
they began shipping the produce of local farmers and ranchers. The town was
named after George Sealy, a director of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe
Railroad. The community is rich inAnglo, Czech and German heritage.
The historic downtown features eateries and shops in the district's 1880s
brick buildings (no wooden structures). A self-guided driving tour features
historic homes, businesses, churches and the home of the original Sealy
Mattress. Group tours of the old mattress factory, which still has much of the
same machinery and equipment from when it was opened in 1909 by Daniel Haynes,
can be arranged by appointment through the chamber of commerce.
979/885-3222.
A number of farms raising horses of all sizes, including miniature horses,
accept visitor appointments for ranch tours. For information and schedules,
contact the convention and visitors bureau.