Blog Assignment Four

My Hometown 


Most would say that they've never heard of my hometown and that's to be expected. I grew up in West Columbia, Texas which is a town about an hour south of Houston near the Lake Jackson, Angleton, and Bay City areas (which are also pretty small). Regardless of size, I must say that I absolutely loved growing up in West Columbia. I like that everyone knows everybody because that creates a huge support system (and also can create quite a few rumors). 

Growth
West Columbia has a population of 4,445 people with reports of 3,905 from the last census. That's a growth rate of 13.83% which is pretty impressive for a town that's so far from the metro areas in Texas. 

Demographics 

Age Distribution: 
Average Age 34.9 years 
Under 18 yrs. 34.6% 
18 to 24 yrs. 7.2% 
25 to 44 yrs. 29.7% 
45 to 64 yrs. 17.3% 
65 yrs and over 11.2% 


Physical Features: 
Area 2.56 mi. 
Elevation 30 ft. 
Parks 34 acres 
Pool 1 


Climate: 
Climate Type Sub-Tropical 
80°F/50°F 
Precipitation (Average) 56.7 
Humidity (Average) 73% 
Temperature (Average) 
Mean Max (July) 91°F 
Mean Min (January) 44.6°F 
Winter Months December - February 
Summer Months May - October 
Elevation 28 ft. above sea level 

Economics

Taxes: Sales Tax 8.25% 
Property Tax (Inclusive of all taxing 
entities) $2.775/$100 valuation


West Columbia, known as Columbia at the time, was the birthplace of the Republic of Texas in the year 1836. Two buildings served the house Congress and the principal offices of the government. Listed below is a photo of the replica of the building where Congress met. (The original was destroyed in a storm during 1900).

A piece of history that most people don't know is that Stephen F. Austin spent many hours and nights in this cabin. It is said that the cold, that eventually led to his death in West Columbia, could have been contracted at this location. There was no fireplace to keep him warm on the nights he stayed working late into the next morning. 

Another history marker is the Varner-Hogg Plantation. "Varner-Hogg Plantation's history begain in 1824 when Virginia native, Martin Varner, became one of the 297 grantees who purchased 307 parcels of land from Stephen F. Austin and established a colony in present-day Brazoria County. The Varners received 4,428 acres and they brought at least two enslaved men to farm and raise livestock on a small scale and establish a rum distillery." More history can be found here.

A fun and fairly new addition to our town is a place on the Brazos River called Belle's Landing. This "Public House" is decorated with interesting photos and memorabilia of our town's rich history. They even offer boat tours along the river.