Black families started to migrate to Northern Houston known as the Independence Heights around 1908. The area was developed by Wright Land Company, and consisted of small wood-frame houses, purchased by the residents. Independence Heights became the first African American municipality in Texas when it was incorporated on January 25, 1915 with a population of nearly 600. Several of the residents worked in
Houston, some of the residents worked in the
Houston Heights, and some residents worked in other areas. The city had 715 residents in 1920. George O. Burgess, a lawyer born in Milligan Texas in 1876, was elected its first mayor. Burgess Hall, located at 700 E. 34th Street, was the City Hall and Courthouse until 1919. City improvements over the next few years included the shell paving of streets, plank sidewalks, and the installation of a municipal water system. O. L. Hubbard was the second Mayor of Independence Heights, serving from June 19, 1919, until 1925. Arthur L. McCullough became the third and final Mayor of Independence Heights. He served from 1925 to 1928. In November 1928, residents voted to dissolve the incorporation of Independence Heights so the community could become a part of Houston. Houston annexed the former city on December 26, 1929. The NRHP-listed places are: •
Independence Park, aka McCullough Park •
William Mackey House •
Ben C. and Jenetter Cyrus House •
Charles Johnson House •
Independence Heights Residential Historic District •
Ella Lewis Store and Rental Houses •
Oscar Lindsay House From 1990 to 2000, the black population of Independence Heights declined by 1,793 as majority African-American neighborhoods in Houston had declines in their black populations.
Former Mayors of Independence Heights • G. O. Burgess • O. L. Hubbard • Arthur L. McCullough ==Government and infrastructure==