Hogan Funeral Home
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1914, noted Texas educator Columbus H. Hogan became a founding partner in the Washington County Undertaking Co. on South Park Street in Brenham. It was then the only funeral home in the county for African Americans. Hogan later became sole proprietor and changed the name to Hogan Funeral Home. The vital community business offered ambulance service to other cities including Houston and Galveston, since local hospitals were segregated at the time. The family business continued with son Booker T. Hogan, Sr. taking over in 1935 and moving it to West Main Street four years later. C.H. Hogan, an active civic, fraternal and religious leader, also dedicated land for nearby Willow Grove Cemetery. (2007)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1914 educator Columbus H. Hogan helped found what became the only funeral home serving African Americans in Washington County. Because local hospitals were segregated, the business also ran ambulance service to Houston and Galveston, carrying Black patients to care they could not receive at home. Hogan, a civic and religious leader, later gave land for a nearby cemetery, and his son Booker T. Hogan, Sr. carried on the family enterprise.
Why it matters
It documents the essential institutions Black communities built for themselves under Jim Crow, when even ambulance rides and hospital care were bounded by segregation.
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Related people
- · Columbus H. Hogan
- · Booker T. Hogan, Sr.
Themes & tags
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