At Home in Brazoria County
The Texas Story Project.
Brazoria County. Home of Stephen F. Austin's first Texas settlement and the birthplace of Nolan Ryan. It holds the United States’ record for the most recorded rainfall in a 24-hour period: 43-inches in my hometown of Alvin between July 24th and 25th, 1979. My family moved to Alvin, Texas in October of 1984, and I lived there until 1999.
Growing up in Alvin, the Brazoria County Fair was the place to be every October. From bull riding to local musicians and national acts, you could catch everything at the fair. One notable musician from Brazoria County was Selena, born in Lake Jackson. She played the fair before I arrived in Alvin, but people still talked about it.
Brazos Bend State Park was another place to be growing up in Alvin. It is located right next to Brazoria County and was the first place I ever saw an alligator. Fun fact: There has not been a documented alligator attack at Brazos Bend State Park, ever. For being a state park known for having lots of alligators, this is quite a feat!
Chris Mikesell is a demonstration technology specialist for AMD and grew up in Alvin.
Posted August 07, 2014
