The Brenham Schoolhouse Hotel’s Story

History of Brenham Schoolhouse

The Brenham Schoolhouse is the first free public high school in Texas set up under the Landmark School Law of 1875. Nine grades were offered, with scientific or classical courses of study in high school. German was available for all grades. The building was erected in 1883, with 15-inch brick walls, cedar beams, and plaster mixed with cow hair. Windows and doors have marble arches and sills. School children moved into the new building, January 20, 1884. The Independent School District sold the school property on July 10, 1909 to N.A. Gallagher, Bishop of Galveston. It was immediately used as Saint Agnes, Sacred Heart Convent, The Dominican Sisters came from Galveston to teach and at the same time, the Towns people applied to establish a parish of their own. By 1916 the Convent couldn’t make ends meet and had to close its doors. The Dominican sisters returned to Galveston. Eventually the Convent was converted into 8 apartments until the 1970’s. For decades she remained vacant.

Our Story

The Gumm family originates from Refugio, TX. A small community 2 ½ hours south of Brenham. We came upon this historic building while visiting family in Brenham in 2018. From the beginning it captured our imagination and our hearts. It’s a place we can’t wait to welcome you into so that you too can experience the comfort and historical ambience of the Brenham Schoolhouse Hotel.

Our family has frequented the Round Top Antique fair for over 15 years. We considered the location of Brenham in proximity to Roundtop, Austin, College Station and Houston. We explored the town of Brenham and discovered fabulous gourmet food and wine, the beat of live music on summer nights, trendy boutique shops, and much, much more. We hope to be a part of guests discovering Brenham and loving as we did all it has to offer. We have enjoyed local town folk stopping by to share stories and reminiscing of the days when she was the Brenham Schoolhouse.