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History in
a Pecan Shell
Named after 1812 War veteran James Britton Bailey, who died and became
one of Texas’ favorite ghosts. (See Bailey's_Light)
Bailey, usually called Britt, arrived in 1818 to claim a Spanish grant
of over 4,000 acres. Stephen
F. Austin who was not on good terms with the early settler once
disputed Bailey's claim. But a compromise was worked out. Bailey would
become one of Austin’s
“Old 300” and a new title was issued.
Bailey built a plantation here and so did others on neighboring grants.
Production consisted mainly of cotton,
cane, corn
and cattle.
A Methodist church was established as early as 1839. Since land was
held in huge tracts, the development of a proper town wasn’t the priority
it was in most places. One hundred years later, the land remained
in the hands of large ranches, although the church was there as well
as a cemetery. Early figures aren’t available, but the population
of Bailey's Prairie was just over 200 in the early 1970s, growing
to over 600 for the 1990 census. |
Texas’
Favorite Ghost Story:
Bailey's_Light
by Murray Montgomery
According to legend, the ghost, carrying a lantern, roams across
the flat land of Brazoria County, Texas - at night, constantly searching
for a jug of whiskey.... more
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Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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