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Barrett is located to the south of US Highway 90 on Farm Roads 1942 and 2100. This town got its start during the Reconstruction and was primarily an African-American settlement. The town was named for Harrison Barrett, who was a former slave. Barrett was known as “Uncle Harrison” and was born in 1845.
Harrison Barrett was the first former slave to own a large piece of land in Texas. He moved there with his family after the Emancipation and purchased his land for just .50 an acre. The land was located, in part, on Rueben White’s league, to the east of the San Jacinto River.
He named his property Barrett’s Settlement and it got off to a great start with seven houses. The houses were built with lumber that was harvested on Barrett’s land and he took part in the construction. Barrett also helped other family members settle in the area. Together, they set up farms, a sawmill, a gristmill and a coffee mill.
Barrett was a generous man and frequently allowed people free access to his creek and a gully near his house to harvest fish and crayfish. He also donated part of his land for the Shiloh Baptist Church. For a time, this church also served as a school for the residents of the community. Barrett died in 1917 and is buried in the settlement, at Journey’s End Cemetary.
1947 brought the town a high school and a post office, which was named Barrett Station. A museum and a park were later added to the town, both bearing the name of the man who was so instrumental in founding and running this community. Another cemetery, St. Martin’s was opened prior to 1936, and a camp is shown on maps from the state highway service during this time.
By 1960, Barrett had become home to over 2,300 residents. The 1970’s brought more life to the town when US Highway 90 was completed nearby, giving residents and commuters better access to Houston and the surrounding cities. The current population of Barrett is estimated at over 3,600 people.
The people of Barrett have tried to maintain the community in the spirit in which it was founded. Each year, the townspeople get together on Juneteenth to celebrate the history of the town and their beloved “Uncle Harrison.”
Commuters have been drawn to the small town, enjoying its atmosphere and community spirit. If you rent an apartment in Barrett, you’ll be just minutes from Houston, with all it has to offer, from shopping, to sports and entertainment.
In town, you’ll be able to visit the gravesite of the town founder, and visit the town park, which is well maintained. The museum is also a great place to learn more about this history of Barrett and the surrounding areas.
If you are interested in an apartment in Houston, feel free to contact us.
