ANDERSON, TEXAS

Grimes County Seat, Central Texas South

30°29'13"N 95°59'16"W (30.487081, -95.987818).
Highway 105 and Hwy 6
25 miles S of College Station
10 miles E of Navasota
34 miles W of Huntsville
Population: 230 Est. (2016)
222 (2010) 257 (2000) 370 (1990)

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Courtesy William Beauchamp Collection

Anderson, Texas Old Photos ›

History in a Pecan Shell

Originally named Fanthorp - the name of the town was changed after Kenneth Anderson, the last vice-president of Texas, who died there in 1845.

Anderson is an anomaly - a county seat with a small population just a few miles from the largest town in the county. Although the population never exceeded 500 persons, it managed to retain its status as county seat. Navasota got the railroad. In the 19th Century - getting the railroad meant the difference between guaranteed prosperity and a slow economic death. The distance between the towns is a mere ten miles.

The Grimes County Courthouse defies convention as well - its unusual architecture makes it one of the most visual pleasing courthouses in the state. Restored in 2002 - the courthouse has withstood two fires and has hosted the trial of a Barrow-Parker gang member in the 1930s.

Grimes county courthouse towers over Anderson Texas

Entering Anderson
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, July 2002

Anderson, Texas Landmarks / Attractions:

Photo courtesy Terry Jeanson, April, 2009

Grimes County Courthouse ›

TE photo, May 2008

Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site ›

Marcus Mallard, once mayor of Navasota and current Grimes County Commissioner runs a proper antique store a stone's throw from the courthouse. If there's something about Grimes County history he doesn't know - then it's not worth knowing. Mr. Mallard also has one of the best personal photo collections in Grimes County and a sizable collection of Edsels. (2002)

Anderson street scene
TE photo 2002

Anderson architectural detail showing date of the Wickey Building "1929"
TE photo

Anderson, Texas Old Photos
Courtesy William Beauchamp Collection

Take a road trip

Anderson, Texas Nearby Towns:
Navasota
Hempstead
Brenham
College Station
Huntsville
See Grimes County | Washington County |
Waller County | Washington County

Central Texas South

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