Cities and Towns in Grimes County, Texas
Founded in 1846, Grimes County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Grimes County was formed from Montgomery County. The city of Anderson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 185, Grimes County has a population of 30,287 and area of 794 square miles (2,056 km²).
List of all cities in Grimes County, TX alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Anderson, TX | 77830 | 936 |
77875 | 936 | |
Bedias, TX | 77831 | 936 |
Carlos, TX | 77830 | 936 |
Iola, TX | 77861 | 936 |
Navasota, TX | 77868 | 936 |
Plantersville, TX | 77363 | 936 |
Richards, TX | 77873 | 936 |
Roans Prairie, TX | 77875 | 936 |
Shiro, TX | 77876 | 936 |
Singleton, TX | 77831 | 936 |
White Hall, TX | 77868 | 936 |
Major Cities and Towns in Grimes County, Texas
1. Navasota, Texas
Location and History
Navasota is the largest city and county seat of Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, approximately 60 miles northwest of Houston. The town was founded in the 1830s and was named after the nearby Navasota River, which flows through the region. Navasota’s strategic location along major trade routes, including the Old San Antonio Road, played a key role in its early growth. The city was incorporated in 1848, and by the 1850s, it became a significant stop on the way to Texas’ frontier regions. Its proximity to Houston also contributed to its role as a trade and transportation hub in the 19th and 20th centuries. Navasota prospered through agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and later became a center for manufacturing and industry. In the mid-20th century, the city saw a shift toward oil production, and the surrounding area became home to several oil fields. Today, Navasota combines a rich historical heritage with modern growth and serves as a key town in Grimes County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Navasota is served by the Navasota Independent School District, which includes Navasota High School, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs for students. The town also has the private St. Joseph Catholic School for younger children. Key landmarks in Navasota include the Navasota Railroad Depot, a historic building that highlights the city’s role in the development of Texas’ rail system, and the Grimes County Courthouse, a historic structure that stands at the heart of the city. The town is also home to the Navasota Blues Festival, a popular annual event that celebrates the region’s musical heritage. Other attractions include the beautiful historic downtown area, which features a collection of 19th-century buildings, antique stores, and local shops, giving the city a charming small-town atmosphere. The nearby Lake Livingston State Park offers outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, making Navasota a great destination for those who enjoy both history and nature.
City Details:
- Area: 5.6 square miles
- Population: 7,500+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77868
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.3867° N, 96.0911° W
2. Anderson, Texas
Location and History
Anderson is a small town located in the northeastern part of Grimes County, about 10 miles southeast of Navasota. The town was established in the 1830s and originally served as a trading post for settlers moving into the area. Anderson was named after Kenneth Anderson, a prominent early settler and politician. It became the county seat of Grimes County in 1838 and remained the political and judicial center of the county until 1848 when Navasota took over the role. Anderson’s history is intertwined with the early development of Texas, particularly during the days of the Republic of Texas. The town’s economy was initially based on agriculture, including cotton farming and cattle ranching. Today, Anderson retains its small-town charm and is known for its historical significance and peaceful rural setting.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anderson is served by the Anderson-Shiro Consolidated Independent School District, which includes Anderson High School. The district is known for its focus on academic achievement and its commitment to extracurricular activities, including athletics and arts programs. Anderson is home to several historical landmarks, including the Grimes County Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s rich history, especially during the early days of Texas. Other landmarks include the Old Anderson Cemetery, which contains graves of early settlers and figures important to the region’s history. Anderson’s historic downtown area has preserved many of its 19th-century buildings, providing a glimpse into the past. Additionally, the surrounding countryside is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, particularly at nearby Lake Livingston or the numerous local parks.
City Details:
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: 250+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77830
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.4525° N, 95.7596° W
3. Iola, Texas
Location and History
Iola is a small town located in the southwestern part of Grimes County, about 25 miles southeast of Navasota. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after Iola Williams, the daughter of a local settler. Iola was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton farming, cattle ranching, and timber being key contributors to its economy. In the early 20th century, the town remained relatively small, and its development was slow due to its rural location. However, the town remained a close-knit community, with local businesses and schools serving as the foundation of the area’s social life. Today, Iola is known for its peaceful rural setting, strong agricultural traditions, and tight-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Iola is served by the Iola Independent School District, which includes Iola High School. The district is known for its small class sizes and individualized attention, providing a more personalized learning experience for its students. The town has few major commercial landmarks, but it is known for its beautiful countryside and outdoor spaces. The nearby Brazos River provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking, while the area’s rural nature offers plenty of space for hiking, camping, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The town’s main landmark is the Iola Community Center, which hosts local events and activities for residents and visitors alike. The town is also known for its involvement in local agricultural fairs and festivals, which celebrate Iola’s deep-rooted farming traditions.
City Details:
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 400+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77861
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.5550° N, 95.8301° W
4. Todd Mission, Texas
Location and History
Todd Mission is a small community located in the western part of Grimes County, about 20 miles west of Navasota. The town was originally established in the early 1900s and was primarily centered around agriculture and railroad activities. Todd Mission is known for its proximity to the Texas Renaissance Festival, one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the United States, which has become the primary cultural and tourist draw for the area. While Todd Mission itself is a small community, the festival attracts thousands of visitors annually, giving the town a significant presence in the region during the event season. The rest of the year, the town maintains its rural charm and agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Todd Mission is served by the Montgomery Independent School District, which includes schools such as Montgomery High School and Oak Hills Junior High, though students in Todd Mission typically attend schools in nearby communities. The town’s primary landmark is the Texas Renaissance Festival, held annually from late September through early November. The festival is a cultural extravaganza that brings together a variety of performers, artisans, and vendors to celebrate the Renaissance period. The event has turned Todd Mission into a popular destination for visitors from across the state and beyond, making it a key part of the town’s economy and identity. Todd Mission also maintains several outdoor spaces for residents, including parks and walking trails, and is surrounded by the scenic natural beauty of the Piney Woods region.
City Details:
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: 400+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77363
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.3084° N, 95.9236° W
5. Pinehurst, Texas
Location and History
Pinehurst is a small unincorporated community located in the southwestern corner of Grimes County, about 12 miles south of Navasota. The community was first established in the late 1800s and has remained a quiet, rural area throughout much of its history. Pinehurst is primarily a residential area, and its population has remained small due to its rural nature. Over the years, it has grown slowly, with the surrounding region’s agricultural economy serving as the primary source of income for its residents. Although it lacks the commercial amenities of larger towns, Pinehurst offers a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pinehurst does not have its own school district. Students in the area attend schools in the Navasota Independent School District or nearby districts. The community has very few commercial landmarks, but its proximity to the Navasota River and local parks provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities. The nearby forests and rolling hills offer ideal spaces for hiking and camping, and the Pinehurst area is known for its agricultural fairs and events, celebrating the region’s rural heritage. The town’s small, rural atmosphere makes it an attractive location for those seeking a quiet, country lifestyle while being close to Navasota’s amenities.
City Details:
- Area: Less than 1 square mile
- Population: 200+ (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 77868 (shared with Navasota)
- Latitude and Longitude: 30.4066° N, 96.0654° W