Picture, if you will, a time when Hempstead was the Confederacy’s heartland. Hempstead was founded in 1856. It was named after Dr. G. S. B. Hempstead. He was the brother-in-law of founder Richard Rodgers Peebles.
Hempstead quickly became a crucial railway hub. The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrived in 1858. This transformed Hempstead into a vital distribution center. It connected the Gulf Coast with Texas’s interior.
During the Civil War, Hempstead played a significant role. Confederate forces established a military post here in 1861. Camps like Groce and Hebert trained soldiers. These camps, however, became ridden with disease. Nearly 200 soldiers died between 1861 and 1863. Many succumbed in the Planter’s Exchange Hotel. This building served as a hospital.
Camp Groce later became a prison camp in 1863. Union prisoners captured at Galveston and Sabine Pass were held here. Over 400 prisoners were confined. Sadly, 21 of them died within its walls.
After the war, Hempstead rebuilt itself. It became the county seat of Waller County in 1873. The town faced many challenges. Yellow fever epidemics and financial losses from fires plagued the community. Despite this, Hempstead persevered.
In the 20th century, Hempstead transitioned from cotton to produce. It became the “Watermelon Capital of Texas.” Until the 1940s, Hempstead shipped more watermelons than any other place in the United States. The annual Watermelon Festival celebrates this heritage.
Hempstead also earned the nickname “Six-Shooter Junction”. This was due to its rough-and-tumble character. Violent disputes were common. These were often fueled by political and social disagreements.
Today, Hempstead thrives due to its location near Houston. The town has a growing industrial base. It retains its small-town charm. Lillie E. Drennan, a Hempstead resident, became the first woman in Texas to obtain a commercial driver’s license in 1929.
Hempstead has evolved over time. It embraces both its history and modern growth. The town honors figures like Captain Alfred H. Wyly with historical markers. Hempstead stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. Its story is one of transformation. It is a vibrant community with a rich past.