Bob Harris Station Plaque

In 1940, a beacon of hope arose amidst the shadows of the Great Depression. This beacon was the Bob Harris Station. It was a post office built on a site steeped in Texas history. The Bob Harris Station stands near the spot where Mexican General Santa Anna was captured. This happened just north of the post office, near the mouth of the San Jacinto River. The site is also close to Vince’s Bridge. This bridge played a crucial role in the Battle of San Jacinto. Both General Sam Houston’s Texian Army and the Mexican Army marched across this bridge. The Bob Harris Station was built as part of a national design competition. The competition was held by the Federal Works Agency. Carl F. Guenther’s design was chosen. The post office aimed to serve the Houston Ship Channel industries and nearby farming communities. It was also intended to stimulate growth during the challenging economic times. The Bob Harris Station’s construction cost $78,000. It provided much-needed jobs for local workers during the Depression. The post office also served as a vital financial hub. Many workers preferred it to banks, which had lost public trust during the economic downturn. Workers cashed their paychecks at the Bob Harris Station and sent money orders to their families. The post office even had a dedicated money order section with teller windows. It had also a reinforced walk-in safe. The Bob Harris Station also played a vital role during World War II. Nearby refineries along the Houston Ship Channel were producing petroleum for the war effort. The Goodyear Rubber Plant was supplying rubber for defense vehicles. The post office became the heart of communication and commerce. The Bob Harris Station is a testament to resilience and community spirit. Its story reflects a time of economic hardship and national determination. It became a symbol of hope. It provided jobs and vital services to the people of Pasadena and the surrounding area.