Fort Bend Museum

   In 1825 Stephen Austin, acting as an agent for the Mexican government to encourage immigration to Texas, settled three hundred families from the US along rich river bottomland between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers. Each head of household received 4,605 acres at 12 1/2 cents per acre. Fort Bend, rename Richmond in 1837, was one of the first towns established by the settlers.

  The museum is part of a complex that includes two houses. The Long Smith Cottage, built between 1838 and 1840, on land owned by Jane Long one of the first settlers, was moved onto the property in 1987. The Moore Home, constructed of mortise and pegged heart of pine lumber, was built on the property in 1883 by John M. Moore, a local rancher and politician. The Moore Home was remodeled in 1905 in the neo-classical style and updated again in 1940 so the décor spans 60 years. The museum is small but nicely done and covers the early history of Richmond. The museum is free and a tour of both houses is $5.00.

  The museum is accessible. Both houses have ramps and the paths on the property are all paved. Some of the rooms in the Moore Home have a step up or down.

RVs can parallel park along 6th Street. Museum
29.58027, -95.76205