579 S. Main St.
Anderson, TX 77830
936-873-2633
washington-on-the-brazos@thc.texas.gov
Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Bryan/College Station. It consists of six acres in Anderson, county seat of Grimes County. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department acquired the property by purchase in 1977 from a Fanthorp descendant, and it was opened to the public Oct. 4, 1987, to demonstrate 19th century life at an early Texas stagecoach stop and family home. Ten years were spent researching and restoring the inn to its 1850 use as both a family home and travelers' stop.
The double-pen, cedar log dogtrot house was built by an English immigrant, Henry Fanthorp, when Texas was part of Mexico. Fanthorp petitioned Stephen F. Austin in 1832 for permission to settle in this original Austin Colony. He bought 1,100 acres and built his house in 1834 on the road that crossed his land, thus bringing travelers to his door immediately. Henry Fanthorp was appointed postmaster by the provisional Texas government in 1835, and saw the advantage of offering other services and goods to his frequent visitors. Within time, Fanthorp's Inn became a well-known stopping place for both travelers and the community.
Fanthorp Inn is open for public tours Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and for group tours (by reservation) and school events.
Upcoming Events
February 11
Henry and Rachel's 189th anniversary
You are invited to the wedding anniversary of Rachel Virginia Kennard and Henry Fanthorp! Join us in commemorating the 189th anniversary of the couple that started it all. Hear the story of their early life, courtship, and marriage, and discover...
March 25
H.K. Yoakum and the Fanthorp Inn
Henderson Yoakum is one of the notable Texans who stayed at the Fanthorp Inn. Discover the story of this prominent Tennessee politician turned Texan historian and lifelong friend of Sam Houston.
Saturday ONLY from 11-3 hop aboard our...
April 8
A Stagecoach Tour of Anderson
Hop aboard our replica stagecoach for a tour of what contemporaries called the "Rome of Texas". Along your journey a historical interpreter will travel with you and inform you about the way the town has changed over the generations.
Texas...
From the Blog
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Photo Gallery
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