Independence Heights, Houston

[1] The Super Neighborhood boundary created by the City of Houston is bordered by Tidwell to the north, Shepherd Drive to the west, the 610 Loop to the south, and Interstate 45 to the east.

The area was developed by Wright Land Company, and consisted of small wood-frame houses, purchased by the residents.

[3] Independence Heights became the first African American municipality in Texas when it was incorporated on January 25, 1915 with a population of nearly 600.

City improvements over the next few years included the shell paving of streets, plank sidewalks, and the installation of a municipal water system.

In November 1928, residents voted to dissolve the incorporation of Independence Heights so the community could become a part of Houston.

[1] The residents hoped to receive improved city services, streets, utilities from the annexation; this did not occur.

[10] The northern portion (north of East 36th Street) is zoned to Williams Middle School in Acres Homes,[11] while the southern portion (south of East 36th Street) is zoned to Hamilton Middle School in the Houston Heights.

In 2009 the city was considering the usage of a property at North Main and Whitman for a three purpose center which would be completed in 2010 and include community education, neighborhood recycling, and reusable materials.