Memories Of Stella Link

[BraesHeights]

I have been curious about the early history of Stella Link. I understand that its name comes from the fact that it links West University with the Stella community. Some of the things I don't know are:

1.

[BraesHeights]

1 minute ago, BraesHeights said:

I have been curious about the early history of Stella Link. I understand that its name comes from the fact that it links West University with the Stella community. Some of the things I don't know are:

1.

I have been curious about the early history of Stella Link. I understand that its name comes from the fact that it links West University with the Stella community. Some of the things I don't know are:

1.  When did Stella Link first open?

2.  Did people live in Stella or was it a railroad stop and nothing else?

3.  If Stella had residents, does anyone in HAIF have ancestors who lived there? If so, what are their stories of Stella?

4.  Who was Stella?

Any insights are appreciated.

[Ross]

Here's a link with some info http://txrrhistory.com/towers/134/134.htm

A wiki article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella,_Harris_County,_Texas

 

[FilioScotia]

Ask and ye shall receive.

Stella, in Harris County was formerly an unincorporated community about 10 miles southwest of downtown Houston. It existed there from the late 1800s through the 1920s when it diisappeared from area maps. In the 1950s the area was annexed into the City of Houston.

Over the years various railroad lines went through, crossed, and connected with the area. A railroad timetable from that era shows Stella was a stop with access to connecting trains. The identifier "Stella" is affixed to the signal bungalow next to the tracks along Holmes Road about 1/4 mile west of Kirby Drive.

Present day Stella Link Road began as a rural road running parallel to the railroad that linked Bellaire to Stella. Today Stella Link Road is a busy street that still runs to the area formerly known as Stella.

Now we know.

Edited April 25, 2023 by FilioScotia

[BraesHeights]

Thanks, Ross and FilioScotia. So here is what I have gleaned from your information:

1.  There likely were no people who called Stella home, unless Stella was the community of residents who worked in the Pierce Junction area referenced in Ross's web page. I'm guessing there was no compelling need to build a road to or from Stella, but the street had to be named something, right?

2.  The southern terminus of Stella Link apparently didn't reach Stella.

I guess if I looked at enough early 1900s maps, I could probably determine when the road opened.

[FilioScotia]

I'm guessing that most, if not all, those who lived in that area south of Houston were farmers.