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Historical Facts About Hempstead |
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Hempstead Town Company was organized by Richard Rodgers Peebles and James W. McDade ot sell lots in newly-established community of Hempstead. Peebles named Hempstead after Dr. G. S. B. Hempstead, Peebles's brother in law.
2000 acres of the estate of Jared E. Groce, Jr. was contributed by Peebles and Mary Ann Groce Peebles for the community. On June 29, 1858 the Houston and Texas Central Railway was extended to Hempstead, causing the community to become a distribution center between the Gulf Coast and the interior of Texas. The Washington County Railroad, which ran from Hempstead to Brenham, enhanced the city upon its completion.
Hempstead is very famous for its watermelon crop. Until the year 1940, the Hempstead town was amongst the top shippers of watermelon in the United States. The town holds a Watermelon Festival in July. Amond Holmes was known as the watermelon King and Jessie Mae Braggs was known as the watermelon Queen. Both resided in Sunnyside, Texas. |
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