Washington County, the pre-eminent rural county in close proximity to Houston, enjoys a reputation as one of the most desirable and strategically located counties in Texas. Its rich past and natural beauty, reflected in historic towns such as Independence and Chappell Hill, attract both visitors and eager new residents.
Named the “Birthplace of Texas,” Washington County features prominently in the history books as the place where Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Historic farming families built the region and still set the cultural tone for many of its businesses, farms and churches.
Washington County’s pastoral setting and temperate climate combine for an ideal environment for livestock, wildlife and agriculture. A haven for antique collectors, quarter-horse admirers and barbecue connoisseurs, the county offers a welcome reprieve from the stresses of city life. Yet it’s alive with activity: football, fine dining, festivals, dances and parades. Quiet country roads are favorites with cyclists and runners. And, each spring, Washington County produces a rainbow of native grasses and wildflowers that are nothing short of spectacular. Washington County is, as beloved Texas-brand Blue Bell Ice Cream’s ads declare, “a piece of heaven on earth.”
Quiet country roads in the hills surrounding Gates Ranch are a favorite with cyclists.
