Region: Panhandle Plains
Settled in 1856 by Welcome William Chandler. In 1885, the first passenger train rolled into Brownwood, beginning a new era in the town's history. A flour mill was built in 1887, only the second of its kind in Texas. In 1909, Brownwood became the largest buying center west of Fort Worth. The Santa Fe Railroad was integral in the establishment of Daniel Baker College and Howard Payne College, as well as the Camp Bowie WWII training camp in the 1940s. Substantial industrial development propelled Brownwood into its current position as an economic and recreational hub for the area.
Historic Greenleaf Cemetery is the burial place for Capt. Weston Williams, son-in-law of Gen. Sam Houston, and Noah T. Byars, in whose blacksmith shop at Washington-on-the-Brazos the Texas Declaration of Independence was written. It's also the gravesite of Robert Howard, author noted for his Conan the Barbarian tales.
Brownwood is on the Texas Forts Trail, the Great Texas Wildlife Trail and the Wildflower Trail. It is also home to the Historic Downtown shopping and cultural district, sporting facilities, convention and meeting space, reunion and camp facilities, Lake Brownwood and hunting for all seasons. Annual events include the Stars of Texas Art Exhibit, Lone Star Fair & Expo, Heart of Texas Quilt Show, Texas Bluegrass Festival, Brown County Rodeo and Parade, Salsa Festival, Brownwood Reunion Celebration, Arts & Crafts Fair and numerous sporting events, performances and lake activities.