Oldest buildings around the Houston area

Spring: Wuenseche Bros. Saloon and Hotel Established: 1902 (117 years old)

A designated historical landmark that was originally opened as a hotel, brothel and saloon, the Wunsche Brothers Cafe was the last bar in Harris County to be closed by prohibition. Converted into the aforementioned cafe in the mid 20th century, the landmark burned down in 2015 and has since been reopened. New owners have kept many of the buildings original fixtures and paintings. It also has a reputation of being haunted. less Spring: Wuenseche Bros. Saloon and Hotel Established: 1902 (117 years old)

A designated historical landmark that was originally opened as a hotel, brothel and saloon, the Wunsche Brothers Cafe was the last ... more Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Staff Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Staff Image 1 of / 83 Caption Close Oldest buildings around the Houston area 1 / 83 Back to Gallery

It's easy to miss all of the history that surrounds us. After all, we drive by it every day, and our surroundings become things we see without really looking at them.

But an informed drive through your neighborhood can reveal fascinating pieces of a city's past.

Many Houston-area cities and towns have historical societies that are helpful in providing tour information.

BACK IN TIME: See photos of Spring Branch in the 1950s

In Alvin, for instance, visitors, or residents, are offered a driving tour with 36 stops. While it includes a lot of Nolan Ryan history (of course) some of the homes and buildings there date back to the 1890s.

In Sugar Land, the oldest public building is an auditorium built in 1917.

Iconic Moments: The best photos of Houston's history.

Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle has an easy-to peruse site with historical buildings across his district, from Spring Branch to Tomball.

See the photos above for some of the oldest buildings left standing around the Houston area, plus a look at the oldest buildings in the city of Houston.

Dana Burke is a digital reporter at Chron.com. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on Twitter at @danapburke.

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