Hempstead, Texas is a historic town in Waller County, Texas. The town was founded in 1858 by Dr. Richard Rodgers Peebles and James W. McDade. The town grew rapidly during the 1860s and 1870s due to the construction of the railroad and became an important shipping point for cotton, livestock, and grain. During the Civil War, Hempstead was occupied by Union troops who used the town as a base of operations. In 1864, Confederate forces under General Nathan Bedford Forrest raided Hempstead and burned much of the town. Following the war, Hempstead rebuilt and continued to prosper as a shipping point for agricultural products.
The discovery of oil in nearby fields in the early 20th century led to a boom in the local economy, and Hempstead soon became home to several refineries and petrochemical plants. The town's population grew rapidly, reaching over 5,000 by 1930. However, the Great Depression caused many of these industries to close down, leading to a decline in population. Today, Hempstead is a small but vibrant community with a rich history. The town is home to several historical landmarks, such as the George Ranch Historical Park and the Edward Jueschke Ferris Wheel Plantation House Museum. Hempstead is known for its annual Walnut Festival, which celebrates the town's agricultural heritage.
For history lovers, the Waller County Museum is a must-see. The museum houses artifacts and information about the county's history, including its role in the Civil War and the early days of Texas. You can also learn about the area's Native American heritage. If you're more interested in nature, take a hike through one of the many parks in the area, go bird-watching at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, or take a scenic drive through Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Campgrounds Near Hempstead, Texas
Cinco Ranch RV Park is a great place to take your RV and enjoy the outdoors. The park has a variety of amenities that will make your stay enjoyable, including vending machines, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. You can also take advantage of the park's hiking trails and fishing ponds. The Cinco Ranch RV Park staff are friendly and helpful, and they'll ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your stay.
Chappell Hill RV Resort is a luxurious escape located in Washington County, Texas. Enjoy spacious parking pads, large RV pedestals, free Wi-Fi, an amenity center, a pool, and lakes, plus a dog park! Even better, they have entertainment features like music stages, outdoor movie nights, gazebos with fire pits, and food truck evenings. There are even game areas and walking trails too!
Westlake RV Resort is located near Katy, Texas and offers secure, enclosed premises with free Wi-Fi. On-site staff is available to answer any questions or provide assistance. The community includes a business center, laundry facility, fitness equipment, swimming pool, and Jacuzzi. Moreover, guests can indulge in fishing at the stocked lake or visit local attractions such as Bear Creek Pioneers Park, Cullen Park, and Topgolf Houston.
State Parks Near Hempstead, Texas
Lake Somerville State Park is in Central Texas. The park comprises more than 11,000 acres of land and water and is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The park is located on Lake Somerville's shores, a reservoir created in the 19th century for flood control and recreation. The lake has an 85-mile shoreline and is popular for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. There are two campgrounds at the park with over 100 campsites between them. The Nails Creek Unit also has cabins available for rent. There are numerous trails for hiking and biking throughout the park. The Yegua Knolls Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop trail that offers views of the lake and wildlife. The Birch Creek Hiking Trail is a 5-mile trail that winds through forests and fields.
Huntsville State Park is located 6 miles southwest of Huntsville, Texas and has over 2,000 acres of forest and prairie. The park offers something for everyone. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, a lake for swimming and fishing, and even an 18-hole golf course. The park is also home to various wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and birds.
Brazos State Park is a 4,897-acre state park located in Fort Bend County, Texas. The park is heavily wooded, with various trails and boardwalks that provide access to the Brazos River and its surrounding bayous. The river is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Brazos Bend State Park is home to over 26 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands. There are also 10 miles of biking trails available. The bird-watching opportunities are excellent, as the park is home to over 200 species of birds.
National Sites Near Hempstead, Texas
The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site in Waco, Texas. The monument includes the largest concentration of Wooly Mammoth remains worldwide and other extinct animals such as Mastodons, Saber-Toothed Cats, and Giant Sloths. The fossils at the Waco Mammoth National Monument date back around 67,000 years ago, to the last Ice Age. The mammoths are believed to have died after getting stuck in a tar pit. The tar pits preserved the remains of the animals, which workers then discovered in 1978. Today, visitors to the Waco Mammoth National Monument can see a variety of fossilized remains on display. There is also a research center on-site, where scientists study the fossils and work to learn more about these extinct creatures.
Big Thicket National Preserve is a protected area located in southeastern Texas. The preserve consists of nine distinct ecosystems: wetlands, bayous, and woodlands. It is home to various plant and animal life, including several rare and endangered species. The Big Thicket was first inhabited by Native Americans, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering plants. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, and the area was logged extensively for timber. In 1974, Congress established Big Thicket National Preserve to protect the area's unique natural resources. Today, Big Thicket National Preserve is popular for hiking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the many waterways that wind through the preserve.
The El Camino Real de Los Tejas National Historic Trail is a 2,500-mile-long trail that extends from Mexico to Louisiana. The trail was established in 2004 by the U.S. Congress and is managed by the National Park Service. The trail traverses through the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana and passes through some of the most historically significant sites in Texas history. These sites include the Alamo, San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, El Paso Mission Trail, and Presidio La Bahia. The trail offers visitors the opportunity to experience Texas's rich history and culture while enjoying the state's scenic beauty. The trail is open to both hikers and cyclists and provides a great way to explore Texas' diverse landscapes.
National Forests Near Hempstead, Texas
Sam Houston National Forest is located in east Texas, about 50 miles north of Houston. It is named after former Texas governor Sam Houston. The forest covers parts of Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, and Trinity counties. It has a total area of 161,064 acres. The forest includes the 111-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, which runs from Richard Moya Park in north Harris County to Point Blank in San Jacinto County. The trail passes through forested areas as well as open meadows and streams. The forest is home to the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1936 to protect the endangered whooping crane. The refuge covers 28,000 acres of swampland and is home to many other bird and animal species. Sam Houston National Forest provides recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
Davy Crockett National Forest covers over 160,000 acres and is home to various plant and animal life. The forest is named after Davy Crockett, a famous 19th-century American folk hero who fought in the Texas Revolution and served in U.S. Congress. The forest offers recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Angelina National Forest is a beautiful natural area covering approximately 154,000 acres. It includes four major lakes: Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Martin Creek Lake, Steinhagen Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir. There are also numerous smaller lakes, creeks, and streams throughout the forest. Angelina National Forest is home to various plant and animal life, including several rare and endangered species. Recreation opportunities abound in the forest, from camping and picnicking to hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating.
