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SOIL SURVEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, TEXAS. 7
steady immigration, mainly of Germans, and between 1870 and 1880
the immigrants included a large number of Poles. The earlier settlers
occupied the rich, black prairie lands of the county, while the
later immigrants settled largely between Brenham and Chapel Hill.
The renting of land was common among the latter class, mainly
Poles, until about 15 years ago. The negro population is confined
largely to the poor, sandy soils of the county. The greater part of the
population is of German descent, with the Polish population probably
second.
According to the United States census for 1910, Washington
County has a population of 25,561. In 1900 a population of 32,931
is reported, and in 1890 it is given as 29,161. Brenham, the county
seat, is a thriving city with a population of 4,718, as reported in the
1910 census. It is located in the south-central part of the county,
in a good agricultural section. It is the most important trading
center of the county. Several important industries are located at
Brenham, including cotton mills, a foundry, a furniture factory, and
a creamery. Chapel Hill, in the southeastern part of the county,
is the second town of importance, and Burton, in the western part, is
a close competitor. Mill Creek, Independence, Washington, William
Penn, and Gay Hill are smaller villages.
The county has good transportation facilities. In all parts, except
the northeastern corner, there is no point more than about 10 miles
from a shipping station. The Houston