Texas History: Fanthorp Inn, Anderson, Texas

 

Welcome to Fanthorp Inn

Located in Anderson, the tiny county seat of Grimes County, Texas, population 193, this restored inn and stagecoach stop is a wonderful day trip. Fanthorp was built by Englishman, Henry Fanthorp who purchased 1/4 league of land in 1833. The house was situated near the intersection of the La Bahia Trail and the Coushatta Trace. In the 1840s, Henry added a second story to his home to accomodate travellers on the stage line. It also served as the local post office. 

Eventually, Henry and his wife Rachel owned over 2800 acres of land. He was also a slave owner. The pair died during a yellow fever epidemic in 1867, his only son died of malaria while serving during the Civil War. The property was inherited by Henry's surviving daughter. Although the house was vastly altered over the ensuing years, the State Historical Commision has restored to it's orginal floorplan. It is furnished with period pieces, many owned by the Fanthorpe family. If you're lucky, you can take a stagecoach ride around the tiny town of Anderson!

 

 

 

I recommend you go during wildflower season. The drive is beautiful and the bluebonnets are the icing on the cake!