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
October 1
Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site's 35th Anniversary
The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site opened its doors to the public on October 4, 1987. Join us on Saturday October 1st as we celebrate 35 years of engaging and educating our community.
We invite the public along with any...
October 8
Memento Mori: Fanthorp Funeral Practices
Throughout October, we will be commemorating the 155th anniversary of Henry and Rachel Fanthorp’s passing. Come explore the unique and peculiar ways Victorian families mourned the loss of a loved one.
**Saturday Oct 29 Only...
October 9
Memento Mori: Fanthorp Funeral Practices
Throughout October, we will be commemorating the 155th anniversary of Henry and Rachel Fanthorp’s passing. Come explore the unique and peculiar ways Victorian families mourned the loss of a loved one.
**Saturday Oct 29 Only...
From the Blog
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
To this day, the Republic of Texas captures the imagination of people across the globe. On March 2, 1836, the founders set in motion a series of events which created an identity that transcended politics and still lasts with us.
Some of the Republic’s most legendary locations—San Jacinto Battleground, Washington-on-the-...
Step back in time and experience the period of the Texas Republic in person or virtually at one of these Texas Historical Commission state historic sites.
San Felipe de AustinCommemorating the location where, in 1823, Stephen F. Austin established a headquarters for his colony in Mexican Texas, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and its museum share the stories of early...
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas’ Republic-era past takes center stage with the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) recent acquisition of nine state historic sites. The sites’ legislative transfer from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department became official on September 1, 2019, increasing the...
Photo Gallery
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