project date: 2005 | by peter reedijk

Independence, Texas is a town filled with a rich and varied history. Founded in 1835, Independence was home to many early pioneers. Weary travelers found lodging here as they headed west, following in the footsteps of explorers and Native Americans on the prehistoric La Bahia Trail. Once the wealthiest community in Texas, it was selected in 1845 as the first home of Baylor University. Sam Houston, first President of the Republic of Texas, called Independence home.

Sea Reach was contracted by the Independence Preservation Society to develop and interpret a walking tour through the historic town. The tour wanders through the early days of Baylor University, past an adobe house built by the Spanish (circa 1820s), a general store, Sam Houston's house, the old Town Square, an abandoned cotton gin, and other historic sites that delight the imagination and give visitors a glimpse into Texas' eccentric past.

The color palette is warm and inviting. To add a splash of color and a point of interest, each exhibit features a large offset circle with a contemporary photo thematic to the exhibit's topic. This helps to compliment the monochromatic historic photos featured on the exhibits.

The exhibits are widely spaced along the tour, each designed with a trail map in the lower left corner of the panel. This way, visitors can begin the tour at any point and confidently follow the route.