In 1821, Stephen F. Austin and the "Old 300" colonists boarded the Lively and entered the Brazos River, landing at Old Velasco. After hurricanes repeatedly tore the little town apart, residents moved four miles upstream to New Velasco in 1891. Then, the 1900 hurricane, which nearly wiped Galveston off of the map, also devastated New Velasco. But even the earliest Texans were tough, and they endured, rebuilt, and thrived. In 1912, across the Brazos River, the discovery of sulphur gave birth to Freeport. Freeport and Velasco grew side-by-side for 45 years until 1957, when they were consolidated. Thus, some citizens felt that the city ought to then be called "Freeport-Velasco." In 1961, Hurricane Carla roared into Freeport. It was followed through the years by many other mega-storms, but Freeport has weathered them all. Efforts are being made to revitalize downtown to the beauty it had a century ago.

Rediscover the simple pleasures of a day trip with Day Trips from Houston. This guide is packed with hundreds of exciting things for locals and vacationers to do, see, and discover within a two-hour drive of the Houston metro area. With full trip-planning information, Day Trips from Houston helps make the most of a brief getaway. Packed with hundreds of exciting things for locals and vacationers to do, see, and discover not far from Houston, TX Complete with full trip-planning information, including information on where to eat, where to shop, and where to stop along the way. Each itinerary includes its own route map.