Super Neighborhoods
SN 13 - Independence Heights
NAME: Independence Heights
DATE RECOGNIZED: 06.05.2001
STATUS: Active
COUNCIL DISTRICT: H
MAYOR’S ASSISTANCE OFFICE: North
CONTACT AND MEETING INFORMATION:
Mardie Paige, President
3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Monthly
Independence Heights Park Community Center
603 E. 35 St., 77022
Meeting Virtually and in person
paigemardie@yahoo.com
LOCATION: Independence Heights is a historical community located north of Loop 610 and west of I-45. The super neighborhood boundaries includes: I-45 (east), Tidwell Rd. (north), N. Shepherd Dr. to railroad track (eastward) to Yale St. (west), I-610 (south).
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTON AND HISTORY: The Independence Heights Super Neighborhood Council is a community that consists of the historical sector of Independence Heights and the post-WWII community of Yale-Victoria. Even though Independence Heights is predominately a historical African American community, recently, the area is being diversified with Hispanics calling "Houston's little Harlem" home.
- 1908 - Black families started to migrate to Northern Houston known as the Independence Heights community. The area was developed by Wrightland Company, which consisted of small wood frame houses, purchased by the residents. Many of the houses were built by black contractors who lived in the area.
- 1911 - Education and religion played a pivotal role in this African American community. Independence Heights School was established in 1911. Green Chapel AME Church was also organized as well as, New Hope Missionary B.C. in 1912, St. Paul CME and Ebenezer M. E. Church in 1916 and Concord Missionary B.C. 1917.
- 1915 - On January 17, 1915 Independent Heights, with a population of nearly 600 was incorporated, becoming the first African American municipality in Texas. George O. Burgess, a lawyer born in Milligan Texas 1876, was elected as the 1st Mayor of Independence Heights. Burgess Hall, named today located at 700 E. 34th Street was the City Hall-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.
- 1919 - June 19, 1919 O. L. Hubbard became the second Mayor of Independence Heights. He served until 1925.
- 1925 - Arthur L. McCullough became the third and final Mayor of Independence Heights. He served from 1925 to 1928.
- 1928 - There were 40 black-owned businesses in Independence Heights they included: grocery stores, restaurants, a lumber company, a watch repair shop, ice cream parlors, a cleaning and pressing shop, a drug store, a black smith shop, law offices and an electrical shop. Other professions included: teachers, attorneys, construction, longshoremen and rail road workers.
- 1929 - Independence Heights dissolved as a city and was annexed by Houston on December 26, 1929.
CIVIC CLUBS: (Updated: 11/02/2023)
| • | Independence Heights Civic Association | |||
| • | Oakridge Houston Civic Club |
PARKS:
| • | Independence Heights Park | 601 East 35th | 77022 |
| • | Kerr Park | 4620 Arlington | 77022 |
| • | McCullough Park | 901 East 40th | 77022 |
| • | Victoria Gardens Park | 4900 Werner | 77022 |
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BYLAWS: |
Bylaws |
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City Hall900 Bagby, Public Level
Houston, TX 77002
The Department of Neighborhoods has five divisions that help neighbors resolve neighborhood concerns. Together, we help improve the quality of life in Houston neighborhoods through people-focused programs and strong community partnerships.
