General-

Although these two sister Houston suburb cities are separate municipalities, these twin towns share: heritage, business and living areas.

The earliest settlement was in 1822 by members of the Old Three Hundred (Stephen F. Austin's colony), it was later supplemented by an unusual variety of ethnic and cultural groups -Southern plantation owners, Confederate veterans, carpetbaggers, Czech immigrants, African Americans, railroad and oilmen.

The Post-Reconstruction era brought the "Jaybird-Woodpecker War" with heavy casualties occurring between rival political factions in 1888 through 1890; a city-hall obelisk is topped with a Jaybird.

Carrie Nation's crusade against that, "demon rum" began in Richmond.

The silver-domed Fort Bend County Courthouse dates from 1908; historical markers are located on the grounds, Located at 500 Jackson St., Richmond.

The surrounding fertile coastal plains are devoted to farming, and ranching. Other industries include oil, salt, sulphur production, steel fabrication and diversified manufacturing. Richmond-Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce at 4120 Ave. H (U.S. 9OA/59) offers information on historic sites and recreation throughout area.

The Fort Bend Opry features country and Western music every Friday night at the Cole Theater in Rosenberg.

Brazos Bend State Park-

4,897 acres of Gulf Coastal Plain includes Brazos River bottomlands, beautiful live-oak woodlands draped by wild grape vines and Spanish moss, oxbow lakes and marsh. Abundant wildlife includes white-tailed deer, coyotes, Russian boar, migratory waterfowl, shore- and wading birds, and large population of American alligators. Tent and RV camping, picnic sites, screened shelters, rest rooms, showers, dump station. Fishing pier, hike and bike trails, wildlife observation platforms. Access via F.M. 762, 20 miles south. Admission.

Decker Park-

These historical buildings include a 1901 railroad depot, a log-cabin replica of the original Fort Bend, the McNabb House, c. 1850, (Carrie Nation's daughter's home) and a 1896 county jail. Also features a modern gazebo. Located on the 500 block of Preston, Richmond.

Fort Bend County Historical Museum-

Cited as one of state's best small museums! This quaint museum features exhibits on the developmental eras from first the area colonists of 1822; there is also a special exhibit on local resident Jane Long, "the mother of Texas"; the Texas Revolution; the plantation era; the Civil War; the ranching era, and the sugar industry. Open Tues. Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat., Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. 500 Houston St., Richmond. On museum grounds is the Moore Home (see below).

Moore Home-

Graceful, white-columned Victorian mansion, c. 1883, home of Texas Congressman John N. Moore of early 1900s. Restored and furnished with period antiques. Open Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. on grounds of Fort Bend County Historical Museum, 500 Houston St., Richmond.