Bryan is a city in and the

county seat A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or parish (administrative division), civil parish. The term is in use in five countries: Canada, China, Hungary, Romania, and the United States. An equiva ...

of Brazos County,

Texas Texas ( , ; or ) is the most populous U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the we ...

, United States. It is located in the heart of the Brazos Valley (

East East is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite direction from west and is the direction from which the Sun rises on the Earth. Etymology As in other languages, the word is formed from the fact that ea ...

and Central Texas). As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 83,980. Bryan borders the city of College Station, which lies to its south. Together they make up the Bryan–College Station metropolitan area, the 15th-largest metropolitan area in Texas with 268,248 people as of 2020.

History

The area around Bryan was part of a land grant to Moses Austin by

Spain Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...

. Austin's son, Stephen F. Austin, helped bring settlers to the area. Among the settlers was William Joel Bryan, the nephew of Stephen Austin. In 1866 the county seat of Brazos County was changed from Boonville to Bryan, and a post office was opened. In 1867, after many delays caused by the

Civil War A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...

, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which had only previously gotten as far as Millican, finally reached Bryan. A short time later, in 1871, the city of Bryan became incorporated. Just south of Bryan, Texas A&M College opened in 1876 in what later would be known as College Station. The following year, 1877 saw the establishment of the Bryan Independent School District. Keeping up with progress in the rest of the country, Bryan added electric lighting and a waterworks to its community in 1889. The fifth Brazos County courthouse was built in 1892, and by the turn of the century, in 1900, the International-Great Northern Railroad stopped in Bryan. Using a generous grant of $10,000 from

Andrew Carnegie Andrew Carnegie ( , ; November 25, 1835August 11, 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist. Carnegie led the expansion of the History of the iron and steel industry in the United States, American steel industry in the late ...

, the Carnegie Library of Bryan opened its doors in 1902. A bell, made in 1905 and rung in 1918 to signal the end of World War I is still located out front today. In 1910 the town built an interurban railroad to College Station. By 1923 the line was abandoned. The first Jewish place of worship, the Temple Freda synagogue, was opened in 1913. During the 1930s the town of North Oakwood merged with Bryan. Now Bryan and College Station are "twin" cities. In 1936 State Highway 6 was built, running right through town. In 2006, the Texas A&M University System announced that the new Texas A&M Health Science Center campus would be built in Bryan near the new Traditions Golf Course development. A fire at the El Dorado Chemical Co. in 2009 caused the evacuation of 70,000 residents due to the burning of ammonium nitrate, possibly causing minor respiratory problems. However, the city requested that only "anyone who can smell smoke or see smoke to evacuate their homes and businesses" and did not enforce an evacuation except for 500 homes in the nearby vicinity of the fire. Less than 1,000 residents chose to evacuate, taking shelter at Texas A&M University, which closed its campus for the day to ease traffic problems. City fire officials chose to let the fire burn down before tackling it, since the chemicals were water reactive. The evacuation, which started at 2:30 pm CST ended at 7 pm, except for a small, defined area immediately around the fire, where approximately 100 Bryan residents lived. In the end, only 500 residents were under a mandatory evacuation, and 35 people were treated for respiratory problems from the smoke. Officials from El Dorado said there was never any danger from the smoke or fire. The warehouse, valued at just under $1 million, was destroyed. In 2010, the Brazos County District Attorney's Office started the enforcement of a "Gang Safety Zone" in response to an escalation in violence within Bryan. Major US papers and ABC News covered this move. Cities like

Houston Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...

and

Los Angeles Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

looked to the Bryan model of safety enforcement surrounding gang violence. The injunction declared a area in Bryan as the Gang Safety Zone. This placed about half of downtown in the area. In 2013 the Planned Parenthood clinic in Bryan closed as a result of state budget cuts which impacted family-planning facilities. The facility began offering abortions in 1998; it was one of three in the state which ceased operations on August 31, 2013. On April 8, 2021, a workplace shooting occurred in Bryan. An employee of Kent Moore Cabinets, a local cabinet-making company, killed one person and injured five others, four of them critically. He then fled but was later taken into police custody, shooting and injuring a state trooper in the process. In June, 27-year-old suspect Larry Bollin was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder and aggravated assault. In late November, 2023, he was found mentally unfit to stand trial by the Judge Holden.

Geography

Bryan is located northwest of the center of Brazos County. It is bordered to the southeast by the city of College Station and to the northwest by the unincorporated community of Lake Bryan. The Brazos River flows past approximately nine miles to the southwest. According to the

United States Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...

, the city has a total area of , of which is land and , or 0.20%, is water.

Climate

The local climate is humid subtropical and temperate, and winters are mild with periods of low temperatures usually lasting less than two months. Snow and ice are extremely rare. Summers are warm and hot with occasional showers being the only real variation in weather.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 83,980 people, 30,647 households, and 18,659 families residing in the city. As of the

census A census (from Latin ''censere'', 'to assess') is the procedure of systematically acquiring, recording, and calculating population information about the members of a given Statistical population, population, usually displayed in the form of stati ...

of 2000, there were 65,660 people, 23,759 households, and 14,873 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 25,703 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 64.65%

White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...

, 17%

African American African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...

, 0.40% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.08%

Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...

, 13.32% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races.

Hispanic The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...

or Latino of any ethnicity/nationality were 17.83% of the population. There were 23,759 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.27. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 18.1% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $31,672, and the median income for a family was $41,433. Males had a median income of $29,780 versus $22,428 for females. The

per capita income Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year. In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...

for the city was $15,770. About 15.5% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the

poverty line The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...

, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Parks and recreation

Sports complexes and recreation centers include: Kyle Field, Merrill Green Stadium, Reed Arena, Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, American Momentum Bank Ballpark, G. Rollie White Coliseum, Anderson Track and Field Complex, Aggie Soccer Complex, Bryan Regional Athletic Complex, Aggie Softball Complex, George P. Mitchell Tennis Center, Spirit Ice Arena, The City Course at Phillips Event Center, and Bryan Aquatic Center.

Government

State

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the Hamilton Unit, a pre-release facility in Bryan. Hamilton opened as an adult prison facility. It was renovated for juveniles and, in mid-1997, re-opened as the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) J.W. Hamilton Jr. State School. On June 15, 2003, the facility was transferred back to the TDCJ.Secure TYC Facilities by Opening Date
." Texas Youth Commission. Retrieved on May 6, 2010. The TDCJ also operates the Bryan District Parole Office in nearby College Station.

Federal

The

United States Postal Service The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or simply the Postal Service, is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the executive branch of the federal governmen ...

operates the Bryan and Downtown Bryan post offices. The

Federal Bureau of Prisons The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a Federal law enforcement in the United States, federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Justice that is responsible for all List of United States federal prisons, federal prisons ...

operates the Federal Prison Camp, Bryan, a women's prison located in Bryan.

Education

Colleges

* Blinn College – Bryan Campus * Texas A&M Health Science Center * Texas A&M University System RELLIS Campus

Public schools

* Bryan Independent School District

Independent schools

* Allen Academy: PK–12 College Preparatory * St. Joseph Catholic School: PK–12 College Preparatory * St. Michaels Academy: PK–12 College Preparatory * Brazos Christian School: PK–12 College Preparatory * Still Creek Ranch: Private K-12 Boarding and Day School * Arrow Academy: K-6

Media

Publications

* '' The Bryan-College Station Eagle'' (main newspaper) * ''La Voz Hispana'' (Spanish language weekly) * ''The Battalion'' (Texas A&M) * ''The Press'' * ''Insite Magazine'' (local magazine – monthly publication) * ''Bryan Broadcasting Publications'' * ''The Jail Times'' (Locally owned and operated independent newspaper, Bryan/College Station)

Radio

* KEOS 89.1 Community Radio For The Brazos Valley * KAMU-FM NPR 90.9 (National Public Radio) * KNDE 95.1 Candy 95 (Top 40) * KORA-FM 98.3 The Texas Country Original * KNFX-FM 99.5 The Fox (Classic Rock) * KBXT 101.9 THE BEAT * KVJM 103.1 La Preciosa (Regional Mexican)(Formerly V103.1 Hip Hop/Power 94) * KVLX 103.9 K-LOVE (Contemporary Christian) * KKYS Mix 104.7 (Hot A/C) * KPWJ 107.7 Peace * KZNE 1150 The Zone (ESPN Sports Radio) * WTAW 1620 (Talk Radio)

Television

* KBTX-TV 3 ( CBS, with CW on DT2) * KAMU-TV 12 ( PBS) * KAGS-LD 23 ( NBC) – A semi-satellite of KCEN-TV in Temple * KYLE-TV 28 ( MNTV, with Fox ia KWKT-TV in Waco, Texas">Waco">KWKT-TV">ia_KWKT-TV<_a>_in_Waco,_Texas.html" ;"title="KWKT-TV.html" ;"title="ia KWKT-TV">ia KWKT-TV in Waco, Texas">Wacoon DT2) * KRHD-CD 40 ( ABC) – A satellite of KXXV in Waco (branded as ''15ABC'')

Infrastructure

Transportation

The Brazos Transit District began offering bus service in the Bryan-College Station in 1974. It offers fixed bus routes throughout Bryan-College Station. Operating on weekdays on an hourly basis, the seven routes converge at a central location for transferring between routes. It also offers paratransit services for disabled riders and an on-demand shared ride service. Texas A&M University, headquartered in sister city College Station, operates student-driven free buses on weekdays for use by the general public that includes coverage around several apartment complexes in Bryan near campus and along a route that culminates at the campus of Blinn College.

Airports

Bryan is served commercially by Easterwood Airport, a regional airport operated by Texas A&M University in College Station. American Eagle offers flights to and from their larger hub airport at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The city of Bryan owns and operates Coulter Field and provides fixed-base operator services, hangar space, and runways for private flights.

Major roads

* U.S. Highway 190 * State Highway 6: Earl Rudder Freeway (East Loop) * State Highway 6 Business:Texas Avenue * State Highway 21: San Jacinto * State Highway 47 * Farm to Market Road 60: University Drive * Farm to Market Road 158: William J. Bryan Parkway / Boonville Road * Farm to Market Road 974: Tabor Road * Farm to Market Road 1179: Briarcrest Drive * Farm to Market Road 2154: Wellborn Road * Farm to Market Road 2818: Harvey Mitchell Parkway (West Loop)

Health care

* St. Joseph Regional Health Center (310 Bed/Level II Trauma Center) * Scott & White Hospital (143 Bed/Level III Trauma Center)

Notable people

* R.J.Q. Adams, historian and author * Lynn Aldrich, sculptor and educatorOtis College of Art and Design/Ben Maltz Gallery.''3 Solo Projects'', Los Angeles: Otis College of Art and Design/Ben Maltz Gallery, 2009. * Walter L. Buenger, historian at Texas A&M University * Melvin Bullitt,

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...

free safety ( Colts) * Gerald Carter, NFL wide receiver ( Jets/ Buccaneers) * James T. Draper, Jr., Texas

Southern Baptist The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), alternatively the Great Commission Baptists (GCB), is a Christian denomination based in the United States. It is the world's largest Baptist organization, the largest Protestantism in the United States, Pr ...

clergyman who began his pastorate in Bryan in 1956 * Linda Ellerbee, NBC broadcast journalist * Bill Flores, congressman from

from 2011 to 2021 * Roy Bill Garcia, radio personality * R. T. Guinn is an American professional basketball player * Jack Kingston, congressman from First District of Georgia * David Konderla, Roman Catholic bishop * Devin Lemons, NFL linebacker ( Redskins) * Don McLeroy, dentist in Bryan; former member of the Texas State Board of Education known for his

conservative Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civiliza ...

educational philosophy * Aries Merritt, 2012 Olympic gold medalist in 110-meter hurdles * William T. "Bill" Moore, state senator from 1949 to 1981, known as "the Bull of the Brazos" and "the father of the modern Texas A&M University" * Steve Ogden, Republican former member of both houses of the state legislature; a Bryan oil and gas businessman * John N. Raney, member of the Texas House of Representatives from Brazos County since 2011; reared in Bryan, businessman and resident of College Station * Raini Rodriguez, actress and singer who appeared in '' Paul Blart: Mall Cop'' and the Disney channel's '' Austin & Ally'' * Rico Rodriguez, young actor known best for his role in the ABC

sitcom A sitcom (short for situation comedy or situational comedy) is a genre of comedy produced for radio and television, that centers on a recurring cast of character (arts), characters as they navigate humorous situations within a consistent settin ...

'' Modern Family'' * Shawn Slocum, special teams coordinator of the

Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. They ar ...

* Syndric Steptoe, NFL wide receiver ( Browns) * Doug Supernaw, country music artist * Ty Warren, NFL defensive end ( Patriots) * Charles F. Widdecke, decorated Major general of the Marine Corps

References

External links

*
Bryan Visitors & Convention Bureau

Bryan Chamber of Commerce
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bryan, Texas Cities in Texas Cities in Brazos County, Texas County seats in Texas Bryan–College Station Populated places established in 1821