Located in the center of Texas, the city of College Station has a rich history. It was previously known as the ‘City of Flowers’ due to the presence of many flowering plants and trees, which still thrive in the area. The history of the city dates back to 1874, when it was founded by William Martin. It has since become a hub for higher education with several universities located there. The most famous of these is Texas A&M, whose football team is often referred to as the ‘Rough Riders’. The city is also home to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Texas Veterinary Medicine School. In order to make your real estate search easier, we have compiled a list of must-visit locations that will help you find the perfect home in College Station TX.
The Flowering Trees
Many of the city’s most beloved buildings and landmarks are associated with the blooming of flowers and blossoms. The most prominent of these is the Texas A&M University campus. As the city’s largest employer and one of its most historic institutions, Texas A&M students and staff are a familiar presence in the area. The ‘maroon’ and ‘gray’ colors of the school represent the colors of the American flag, and the ‘Rough Riders’ mascot is said to be inspired by Texas A&M. The most photographed and loved part of the campus is the Tower Plaza. This 120-story skyscraper, the third-tallest in Texas, was built in 1998 and serves as both the school’s corporate headquarters and the largest single-user office building in the world. It features a waterfall cascading down the side of the building and a reflection pool at the base of the tower. The waterfall was originally designed with the help of a local horticulturist and is said to have inspired the creation of the Flower Gardens at the Tower At Riverwalk shopping center.
The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are a 1.9-acre garden adjacent to the Brazos River. They are filled with flowers and shrubs and feature a teal-colored fountain. This is one of the city’s most photographed and beloved landmarks. This outdoor botanical garden is bordered by the Brazos River on one side and the Alexander Cook Bridge on the other. Every day at 5:00 pm, the city celebrates ‘Floribundo’, the ‘Florist of the Golden Age’, with a flower-themed ceremony. During this event, a flower painting is hung on the bridge, and floral petals are scattered across the river. In addition, an incredible variety of tropical plants are on view in the indoor-outdoor greenhouse.
The Brazos River
The Brazos River runs through the center of the city. It is lined with parks and playgrounds, providing the area with a feeling of serenity. The river itself is very popular with kayakers and canoeists seeking some peace and quiet. It has been designated as a ‘Natural Heritage Monument’ due to its rich biodiversity. Over 200 bird species (including an endangered species) can be found along the river, as can fish, mammals, and reptiles. One of the most interesting creatures to be found along the riverbanks are the palmetto snakes. These snakes can be up to 10 feet long and were once a common sight in the area. However, their numbers have decreased due to urbanization. Nevertheless, it is still illegal to harm a palmetto snake in the area. Today, the riverside is a popular location for outdoor lovers seeking some peace and quiet. During the summer months, visitors to the area can enjoy pleasant temperatures and ample sunshine, helping to make the most of the beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas.
The Alexander Cook Bridge
This famous ‘vertical slice’ bridge connects the northern part of the city to the southern part. It is named after local resident and businessman Alexander Cook. Upon its completion in 1911, the bridge was one of the first to be fully covered with asphalt and had a width of 275 feet. This allowed for two lanes of traffic and an extra half a lane for buses, trolleys, or pedestrians. This unusual characteristic makes this bridge a bit wider than most others, which provides more room for vehicles and pedestrians. In 2011, the city celebrated the centennial of the bridge’s construction. Today, it is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. Although there are no official bus tours available, the city does offer a limited number of walking tours that cover the history of the city and the construction of the bridge.
