Historic Downtown Sealy, Texas
Downtown Sealy, is at the intersection of I-10 and Highway 36 (just 48 miles west of Houston) in south central Austin County, was formed as a railroad town in 1879. Once part of the San Felipe de Austin Town Corporation, land was sold to the railroad and named to honor George Sealy, a Galveston railroad director.
Sealy became a commercial shipping center and many early residents were railroad employees. In 1889, a fire on Front Street obliterated wooden commercial property near the railroad. Sealy experienced a series of misfortunes, including a disastrous Brazos River flood in 1899, the relocation of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe division headquarters to Bellville the following year and the devastating 1900 hurricane. However successful businesses were established, including the Sealy Mattress Factory, the Engleking Brothers Broom Factory and the Sealy National Bank, which helped build the town’s commercial reputation. Today Sealy is the largest town in the county.
Sealy’s claim to fame comes from the world-famous Sealy mattress. Although no Sealy mattresses were ever manufactured here, in 1885, Daniel Haynes perfected the technique and equipment patents in Sealy, which he later sold in 1889 to a group of investors who went on to make the Sealy mattress a household name.
Sealy’s historic downtown area boasts antique and gift shops, quaint cafes and museums, some housed in historic buildings. Many historic period homes abound in and around town.
Sealy boasts at least two legendary eateries: Tony’s Family Restaurant, serving locals and visitors since 1936, and Hinze’s BBQ, voted one of the 10 best in the state. More than 30 Sealy food establishments ensure there is something for just about everyone.
For racing enthusiasts Sealy’s Lone Star Motorsports Park is a member of the IHRA, and hosts races from January to November.
Sealy is a multifaceted modern city with lots to offer the visitor looking to spend a quiet weekend in the country or people looking for a quality of life they can’t find in the big city.
A faith-based municipality with good schools, strong business community and progressive city government all makes Sealy a unique place to visit or a great place to raise a family.