Bryan-College Station Travel Guide

Aggieland and so much more; in Aggieland, "Howdy" is more than a greeting. It's a genuine spirit no one forgets.

The twin cities are nestled in the lush Brazos Valley, conveniently located at the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin/San Antonio triangle and easily accessible from all parts of the state. Residents boast of big-city conveniences with small-town warmth and hospitality.

Bryan-College Station is home to the George Bush Presidential Library Complex, housed on the Texas A&M University campus. The library and museum contains archives and artifacts from Bush's political career. Also included in the complex are the Bush School of Government and Public Service and the International Center.

Bryan was established in 1859 in honor of William Joel Bryan, nephew of Texas pioneer Stephen F. Austin. Incorporated in 1871, Bryan prospered with its robust agricultural resources and a railway system completed in 1876. That same year, the State of Texas established the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas just south of Bryan. Bryan is also home to the Carnegie Library, donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Only 12 of the 34 original library buildings still exist today.

College Station, Bryan's sister city, was planned as a model community by college professors when the college would no longer accommodate their living needs on campus. College Station, named as a railway stop by the Postal Service in 1877, burgeoned in the 1960s when the college opened its doors to women and became Texas A&M University.

The cities' contrasting styles and variety of attractions have created a harmonious neighborly balance for visitors. Bryan has an impressive collection of beautiful homes and business sites with historical and architectural significance in its East Side Historical District and its revitalized downtown area, alongside fine restaurants and community theaters. College Station is an energetic and progressive city with 924 acres of parks and a statewide reputation for quality athletic events. It has grown up alongside Texas A&M University, a major education and research institution.