For many years the area along old Highway 290 known as Cypress was “just a wide spot in the road” where anybody might stop by. The dreams of entrepreneurs back in the mid-1800s
to develop a town there fell by the wayside. Oh, yes, there were a few homes, a
couple of hotels, two stores and at least one saloon. But the real town
envisioned on an 1858 Plat of Cypress City showing 250 blocks, each with 12
lots, just did not happen . . . until more than a hundred years later!
Today, traffic whizzes along on the Northwest Freeway, built along the path that
was once old Highway 290.
Numerous people exit the freeway at Cypress to grab a bite to eat, go shopping, buy groceries, get their vehicles serviced and then hurry to their
homes in the subdivisions or apartments that are a part of the Cypress scene
today. This fast-paced life makes many people wonder what life was like a long
time ago when everything was so much simpler and moved at a slower pace. A
glimpse into that slower-paced life can be had through a visit to Cypress Top
Historic Park.
The park site, located on Old Highway 290 behind Lowe’s, was donated to Harris County by descendents of the original owners of the
site, Mr.
& Mrs. E. F. Juergen.
There are several historic structures on the site, one of which is the Juergen
General Merchandise Store. It contains merchandise dating from the early 1900s
until the store closed for business in 1992. The old Juergen home appears much
as it did when the Juergens lived there. Many pieces of furniture in the house
belonged to them.
The Dance Hall, built in the early 1900s, today is decorated with memorabilia
from the past as well as a genealogical display of early Cypress settlers. It
still is used for family reunions, anniversary celebrations, and the like,
thanks to the county
’s restoration. A grist mill, tool shed, service station, and 1-room apartment
used by a vaudeville actor when he retired to Cypress are also on the park
site.
The park museums are open for drop-in visitors every Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Members of the Cypress Historical Society are on the site each Tuesday to
answer questions that visitors may have concerning Cypress Top and to conduct
tours of the buildings.
To schedule group tours, please contact the County Park Office at 281-357-5324.
