A Brief History of Brady's Island

Brady Island overlooks the Turning Point of the Houston Ship Channel, one of the world's great maritime wonders, and is in the heart of a part of Houston once known as Old Harrisburg.

The town of Old Harrisburg was for a brief period in 1836 the capital of the young Republic of Texas. This fact is significant in Texas history in that it came during the period of time between the defeat of William Barrett Travis at the Alamo by the Mexican General Santa Anna, and General Sam Houston's retaliatory victory over Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. This famous battle is regarded by some historians as the sixteenth decisive battle, in terms of its result, in world history. It took place on the Plain of St. Hyacinth, just a short distance away from Brady Island, and ended Mexico's hold on Texas. Harrisburg was burned by Mexican forces en route to St. Hyacinth.

It is generally agreed that Brady Island was named for John Thomas Brady (1830-1890). Brady, a man ahead of his time, became interested in the potential of Houston as a deep-water port while chairing the State Internal Improvements Committee during the 10th and 11th State Legislatures. He died in 1890 while inspecting work being done toward development of what in time would become the Port of Houston.

Harrisburg was annexed by the City of Houston in 1926, but is still fondly referred to as "Old Harrisburg" today by those in the area.