Stephen F. Austin A Celebrated Visionary

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY  |  By Joan Frances – When the subject of Texas history is discussed, one name stands out among all the other famous historians. His statue proudly stands at Town Square in Sugar Land. His name honors the State Capital, as well as many high schools, colleges, streets and...

The African American Cowboy of Fort Bend

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – In the late 1800s, when cattle grazing and ranching encouraged economic and cultural growth, many pioneers traveled to Texas seeking cheap land, bringing their slaves with them. By 1825, 25 percent of the settler population were slaves. Fort Bend County had...

St. John’s United Methodist Church: A Beacon of Inspiration and Faith

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – Man has worshiped God for thousands of years. Adoration brings comfort and solace, and without it, our society would be lost. The church unites people through worship and singing praise. St. John’s Methodist Church is one of the most distinctive...

Ghostly Tales and Haunts in Fort Bend County

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – Sitting around a campfire, late at night, stories are told of strange occurrences that happened many years ago. Unexplained ghostly tales that are a part of the history of Fort Bend County are embellished to bring chills to a captive audience. Several...

Peter Martin: The First African American Cowboy

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY  |  By Joan Frances – Fort Bend County has prolific stories of people who made a historical impact on society despite race, color or nationality. Settlers who had purpose and drive to be successful even when the community worked against them. Since he was a boy, Peter...

The Life and Adventures of Henry Jones

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – Historically, notable people who are identified with Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred” colony are credited to be the first settlers of Fort Bend County. Researchers explore information to better understand the trials and tribulations the early...

Richmond Railroad Depot: The Center of Early City Life

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – In the historic past of Fort Bend County, the single most significant influence on the increase of transportation, commerce and growth for every city in the area was the railroad. When the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railroad were chartered on...

A History of Diversity George Ranch Honors Black Cowboy Legacy at First Annual Rodeo

By Steve Nelson – It’s become a well-known fact, symbolic of recent growth in our area: Fort Bend County is now the nation’s most diverse county. Our mix of residents, while perhaps surprising to outsiders with stereotypical views of Texas, is part of the unique fabric of the region we all call...

Rosenberg, Humble Beginnings and Celebrated Success

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – Think back, way back. It’s 1883 in Rosenberg Texas. Henry Rosenberg, President of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad, purchased 200 acres of land. He had them platted around a city square between the river and the railroad. At first, Main Street was a...

The Fort Bend County Jail: A Magnificent Historical Monument

A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY | By Joan Frances – When visitors drive through downtown Richmond for the first time, they immediately are drawn to a large regal building, with stunning red bricks and white McNeal limestone accents. It is the only building of its kind in the area and has a presence of...