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 28
The Final Nail - Coffin Building at Washington-on-the-Brazos
Join us on Saturday Oct 28 from 10am to 4pm outside the Tavern at Washington on the Brazos as we commemorate the 156th anniversary of Henry and Rachel Fanthorp's passing.
We will be constructing a coffin using the same materials and...
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