4 Landmarks & Historical Sites in Bryan-College Station

photo from: livability.com

College Station dates back to 1860 when the Houston and Texas Central Railway began to trek their path through East-Central Texas. With over 150 years to its name, it’s a city rich with history. People and events have affected the city in ways that residents can never forget. Here are some of the most notable landmarks that you might come across when you move to Bryan-College Station.

Aggieland Water Tower

The Aggieland Water Tower is located on the Texas A&M college campus, but it’s famous throughout the area. Standing at 185 feet tall and holds two million gallons of water, it replaced the old water tower which was demolished in 1975. The old water tower was the frequent venue for college dares and was frequently subject to graffiti. The tall structure that exists now has a much cleaner look, but it still serves to offer a warm “Welcome to Aggieland” to newcomers, students or otherwise.

Bonfire Memorial/Spirit Ring

photo from: asergeev.com

Also at the Texas A&M campus you can find the Spirit Ring and annual Bonfire Memorial, commemorating a tragedy that struck the campus 18 years ago. For 90 years, the massive bonfire was an Aggieland tradition. It was lit around Thanksgiving as a way to celebrate the holidays and the upcoming football games. In 1940, the school paper called it “the best event of the football season.”  Then in 1999, the 59ft bonfire collapsed during construction. 12 students were killed and 27 were injured. Pictures taken of the bonfire collapse were posted to the internet and viewed worldwide by over 29,000 users, quite impressive since at the time the internet was not as expansive as it is now. The bonfire was cancelled after that point, and in 2014, the school instead began to hold a bonfire memorial.

The central site of the bonfire memorial is the Spirit Ring, constructed on the site where the bonfire once stood.12 stone portals stand to commemorate the students who died, as well as 27 stones for the 27 students who were injured.

First Presbyterian Church

photo from fpcbryan.org

One of the oldest churches in Bryan, Texas, First Presbyterian Church was originally constructed in 1871 by members of the congregation. The Presbyterian synod praised the effort of the congregation in an essay, “The Way to Build a Church.” Though the church has been reconstructed over the years (most recently in 1966), it still stands on E 30th Street in Bryan, taking up the 1100 block.

Carnegie Public Library

Carnegie Public Library is more than just a library. Since its establishment in 1903, it’s been a hub of culture and civics in Bryan. It was established by the Mutual Improvement Club, later renamed the Women’s Club, and particularly two women: Lucy Miley Brandon and Rose Fountain Howell. It got its name, however, from a grant provided by famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie in the construction of the library. The auditorium hosted many civic events for the city, including two reunions of Hood’s Texas Brigade Association.

Bryan-College Station has a proud, richly preserved history. Why not make the area part of your history? If you’re interested in moving to Bryan-College Station, contact a local real estate agent to help introduce you to the best of the area’s history, as well as the right homes for your needs and your budget. 

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