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is a city in Brazoria County, Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown Metropolitan Area and is situated in Southeast Texas. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the city population was 12,708 and is about sixteen miles away from Angleton.
BASF is the major employer in Freeport, as the company operates a large chemical plant complex in Freeport.
Freeport is in the 14th congressional district , and is represented by Congressman Ron Paul.
Freeport was officially founded in November 1912 by the Freeport Sulphur Company. The population was 300, however by 1929 that population grew to 3,500 and to 4,100 in 1939. Such a population growth also influenced a steady increase of economic expansion in Freeport.
By 1937, a Freeport School District had been established which consisted of several segregated schools and twenty seven teachers. There were two white schools, one black school, and a high school.
Freeport's most substantial economic growth began with the construction of Dow Chemical Company facilities in the city during 1939. The company still provides the majority of economic resources for the community. It is the largest single site of the company today.
In July 1957, Freeport merged with Velasco, Texas, the first capital of the short-lived Republic of Texas during the 19th century. Soon thereafter, Freeport's population numbered 11,619. In 2003, the city annexed nearby Bryan Beach.