Waller

Prehistory shows that the Tonkawa and Karankawa Indian tribes inhabited the land around Waller. Spanish explorers passed through the Waller area in the 1500s, but settlement was not accomplished for several hundred years. After Texas gained its independence from Mexico in 1836, Austin County was formed to include the land on both sides of the Brazos River. The county courthouse located in Bellville, was too far away from many residents, and almost impossible to reach when the Brazos River reached flood stage. Therefore, on May 1, 1873, the Texas Legislature acted to create Waller County, which included the eastern half of Austin County, part of Montgomery County, and a section of Harris County.