Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site

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

December 16

Dickens on the Brazos

Join us for Dickens on the Brazos, a joint Christmas program for Fanthorp Inn and Washington-on-the-Brazos! The holiday fun continues at Independence Hall where interpreters from Fanthorp Inn will set up a Christmas Post Office. Families can come...

January 13

Coffee Brewing at Washington on the Brazos


Henry Fanthorp was said to serve a cup of coffee so strong that it could bear up an iron wedge! During this program we will be set up in the tavern at Washington on the Brazos; roasting, grinding, and brewing coffee and its surprising 19th...

February 24

"Tying the Knot" The Fanthorps' 190th Anniversary at San Felipe de Austin

You are invited to the wedding of Rachel Virginia Kennard and Henry Fanthorp! Join us at San Felipe de Austin to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Fanthorps' union . Hear the story of their early life, courtship, and marriage, and discover...

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