An Archaeological Assessment of the Proposed City of Bryan Visitor Center in Brazos County, Texas

Abstract

A "desk top" study of existing literature regarding the site of a proposed visitor center at Block 51 in Bryan, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) in September 2001 at the request of the City of Bryan. This study confirmed the presence of two extant 19th century structures, a residence (circa 1867- 1870) and a carriage house (circa 1888) as well as the footprint of a 1903 residence. Although others may have occupied the original house, it was mainly the residence of John William Coulter, a prominent businessman in the community who moved with his family into the "big house" constructed in 1903 on the same lot. Block 51 was the site of historic occupation from the 19th century through the latter part of the 20th century when the 1903 house was moved to its current location in Fayette County, Texas. The original house occupied by John William Coulter has been determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places by the Texas Historical Commission. The review was conducted by Chief Historian Jim Steely (see his letter in Appendix I). The records for this project have been placed in permanent curation at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.