In 1929, Brownwood resident Walter Urie Early donated land east of the city to the Jones Chapel Rural School District. A school named Early was built there in 1930, and a community grew around it. In 1951, the citizens voted to incorporate Early.
Today, a historical marker for the town’s namesake is in front of city hall. Another historical marker just outside Early tells the story of local pioneer William Franklin Brown, who helped organize Brown County (named after another Brown—Henry Stevenson).
Learn more about local pioneer history at the nearby Jenkins Springs Cemetery, designated a Historic Texas Cemetery.