Old Town Spring
Christmas is over and the weather here in Houston is cold, cloudy and wet so I thought I would post some photos from a summer trip I made to “Old Town Spring”
Old Town Spring is north of the city of Houston. Many of the original buildings, some over a hundred years old, now house places to buy antiques, collectibles, clothing, and gifts.
The population in the Old Town Spring area started growing in the early 19th century when the Spanish and French came to trade with the local Akokisa (Orcoquisac) Indians. Back then, the town’s name, “Old Town Spring,” is said to have originated after one of the worst winters in Texas history when a group of tired railroad workers were so happy at the approach of spring that they named their new camp “Camp Spring.”
The small town grew consistently until the early 20th century. At one time the town had as many as 5 saloons and a gambling hall. The town thrived on the booming railroad business in South Texas and resulting industrialization.
After the Depression, Prohibition, and a relocation of the railroad headquarters, the small town slowly declined in population until Houston’s Oil boom in the 1970s and 1980s brought merchants back to the area to make the town what it is today
This town is also known for being a robbery victim of Bonnie and Clyde. The gunshots that were fired during this robbery are still present today on the old bank building.
Interesting story – the film “Bonnie and Clyde” is still one I can vividly recall, a classic of it’s era. Lovely colorful vignettes of some of the buildings.
Great Post! Some cool history on the town. What character in those houses and buildings. This seems like a great plce to visit. Happy New Year.