Interesting Facts About Liberty

Liberty is a city in the U.S. state of Texas, within Liberty County. The population was 8,279 at the 2020 census. It serves as the county seat of Liberty County.

Liberty is the third-oldest city in the state, established in 1831 on the banks of the Trinity River. The city also has a twin of the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its area code is 936 and its ZIP code is 77575.

GEOGRAPHY

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.4 square miles (92 km2), of which 35.0 square miles (91 km2) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km2) (1.02%) is water.

CLIMATE

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. 

Liberty History

Liberty began as a hopeful frontier town - Villa de la Santisima Trinidad de la Libertad - and has grown with the same enduring spirit that defines Texas itself. Heroes like William Barret Travis and Sam Houston once walked these streets, shaping both our town and our state's story.  

Through the years, Liberty has shone as a place of faith, friendship, and community - from riverboats and railroads to the oil boom and beyond.

Today, as twinkling lights fill our square, we celebrate that same spirit - warm, welcoming, and forever bright in the heart of Liberty.

Founded in 1831, Liberty is one of the oldest towns in Texas and one of the first established along the Trinity River waterway.  Liberty was part of a land grant given to settlers which contributed to the establishment of communities.  Liberty played a crucial role during Texas Revolution and has deep historical roots linked to the early settlement of the state.   With its location along the Trinity River, Liberty became a transportation hub for goods and people.  The river provided routes for steamboats, allowing for movement of goods and settlers into the region.  In addition to the Santa Fe Trail, other trails converged in the Liberty area making it an essential stopping point for traders and settlers alike.  

From the significance of the Santa Fe Trail to modern day, The City of Liberty remains conveniently located.  Just 45 minutes from Houston to the East and 40 minutes from Beaumont to the West off highway 90.  An original part of the Old Spanish Trail, highway 90 serves as a major east-west route connecting the City of Liberty with various towns, airports and industry.  To the North and South Highway 146 provides a vital transportation artery and connects the city with various outdoor activities which draw residents and visitors to enjoy fishing, boating and many other leisure activities.

 

GOV. BILL DANIEL

For a moment in time Liberty was home to a sitting Texas Governor.  Bill Daniels was appointed as the Governor of Texas in 1949.   He served only until 1950, filling the position after the resignation of the previous governor.   He is noted for his commitment to education and infrastructure during his brief tenure.  A replica of the Texas Governor’s Mansion sits proudly on the hill down Governor’s Road just to the north of town.  Built in 1994, this replica was constructed as part of the Liberty County Bicentennial Celebration and serves as a popular historical site and tourist attraction.  

 

FAIR AND RODEO

Liberty is home to one of the longest running fairs and rodeos in the state.  The fair was first held in 1909 on the courthouse square.  In 1936, the Trinity Valley Exposition was established, and the annual fair and rodeo was moved to its current location just on the outskirts of town.  It has since grown to be a significant cultural event for the residents of Liberty and surrounding areas carrying on the tradition each October. 

LIBERTY BELL HISTORY

The Liberty Bell was dedicated on March 4, 1976.  This dedication took place during the United States Bicentennial celebrations, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.   As a reminder of the dedication, a replica Liberty Bell hangs in the center of the grand bell tower located on the grounds of the Humphreys Cultural Center and is just one of the many significant historic relics within the city.  

Visitors to the city will be welcomed by nearly one hundred concrete Liberty Bells proudly displayed in front of local businesses and homes.   Each bell is uniquely painted by a local artist.