Independence Heights A Portrait of a Historic Neighborhood 1905 - 2005
7300 block of North Main at 34th Street
Houston , 77020
Notes:
Directions: Gray granite marker approximately 30 feet east of the street, on an empty lot north of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, across from 7315 North Main St.
Key Time Period: 1893 - 1919 City Beautiful - WW I
Corretions/New Research:
Marker Text: Independence Heights promoted by the Wright Land Company, The Independence Heights Community began about 1905. Many black families purchased lots and built their own homes. A school was established in 1911.
Businesses in Independence Heights included retail stores, restaurants, building contractors, lumberyards, a blacksmith shop, tailor and barber shop. Fraternal organizations were formed, as well as a number of churches; New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Green Chapel A.M.E., St. Paul C.M.E., Ebenezer M.E., Concord Missionary Baptist and North Main Church of God in Christ.
By 1915 there were four hundred residents. In that year, an election was held and the city was incorporated. George O. Burgess was elected the first mayor. City improvements over next few years included the shell paving of streets, plank sidewalks and the installation of a municipal water system. O. L. Hubbard and Arthur L. McCullough, Sr. also served mayoral terms. In 1928 another election was held in which the city organization was dissolved. Independence Heights was annexed by the City of Houston on December 26, 1929. The Independence Heights name is still associated wit the area. Dec. 2005
Marker Type: Granite
Historical Org: 03 Other
Key Map Information: 453 N
GPS Coordinates: 29 49.021, 95 23.555
Precinct No: 1
Marker No: 00248