While Born in Brenham is a local badge of honor, thousands of people who
are not originally from the area have been welcomed into the charming
city and nearby rural communities of Washington County. Visitors and
newcomers will discover a relaxed atmosphere infused with the better
aspects of the past. Even in the face of modern change and growth,
history occupies a place of value, and traditions in Brenham still
reign. Maifest, the spring celebration spawned by German immigrants, has
been an annual tradition since 1881, and young and old alike line
downtown streets to cheer on the royal courts. The Washington County
Fair is the oldest in Texas, honoring the family farms and ranches that
still abound. The streets surrounding the courthouse square have
remained largely intact for the past century. Once fueled by cotton and
railroads, Brenham's economy now reflects a diversity that ranges from
artists to ice cream, and historic buildings are seen as treasures to be
adapted and reused.