"Sam Houston Trail" Letterbox

Independence, Texas Washington County North Texas Prairie Region
Old Baylor Park

Date of Placement: 2/22/03
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance to letterbox: About 40 Yards (one-way)
Placed by Baby Bear


Part of the Texas History Series

Independence was founded in 1823 as Coles Settlement, and renamed in
1836 in honor of the March 2nd Declaration of Independence for
Texas. Know as the "Athens of Texas", it was the early center of
education, culture and religion. The ruins of the original Baylor
College are still here. Sam Houston, the 1st President of Texas and
hero of the Battle of San Jacinto, converted to the Baptist faith in
the Independence Baptist Church (the oldest Baptist congregation
still in existence), and was baptized in the waters of Rocky Creek
nearby. To celebrate the occasion, his mother-in-law, Nancy Lea,
bought a bell for the church tower, which can be seen in the
historical center next to the church. Also near the church is the
tiny Houston family cemetery where Margaret Lea Houston (Sam's wife)
was hastily buried after her death from yellow fever in 1867. Nancy
Lea is also buried here. A few steps away is the home where Margaret
moved after Sam's death in 1863.

Directions:

The "Sam Houston Trail" letterbox is located in Old Baylor Park, west
of Independence. From Brenham, take Hwy 105 northwest, turning left
on FM 50 just out of town. Follow FM 50 to Independence, turning
left on FM 360. Go about mile to West Spur 390, going right on this
road. You will see the columns of Old Baylor straight ahead. Park
in front of the columns.

To the letterbox: