Brazos River Levee

Destructive Brazos River floods have often plagued residents of Burleson County. In 1899, a 30-inch rain killed 35 and caused about $9 million in property damage. Again in 1900, 1902 and 1908, Brazos River bottom inhabitants endured serious flooding. In 1909, W.S. Mial and 49 other citizens asked commissioners of Burleson County to build levees along the Brazos to protect the valuable farm land. In July 1909, voters unanimously approved the issuance of bonds and the higher taxes to pay off the debt. Contractors Roach and Stansell built the 9-foot levee which extended south for 30 miles. Its test came in December 1913 with a storm far worse than the 1899 flood. Residents of this area, depending on the levees for safety, did not flee until the water had risen dangerously. Too late, they discovered the levee trapped water and then broke, unleashing a wall of destruction from which there was no escape. Victims rode out the flood on roofs and in treetops. There were 180 deaths and $8 million in property loss. Still convinced of the value of the levees, voters in 1914 approved reconstruction bonds. The indebtedness was not retired until 1963, long after modern flood control methods made the area safe. (1978)

Brazos River Levee is a historical marker in Cooks Point, Burleson County, dedicated in 1978. It is one of 69 historical markers documented in Burleson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 133 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.6104, -96.5282 near Cooks Point. The nearest cataloged historic site is San Salvador Mission Church (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Moseley's Ferry, Brewer Hill Cemetery, and Old Brewer Hill.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5051007551. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.