Bassett and Bassett Banking House
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Benjamin H. and Thomas J. Bassett opened their newly-created bank and located their law office in this building soon after its completion in 1873. Built with bricks manufactured by the local Wild & Co. Brickyard, the Italianate structure housed the bank until it closed in 1884. An important Brenham landmark, the building features round arches and stucco hood moldings at door and window openings. The third story was added in the early 1900s.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Brothers Benjamin and Thomas Bassett opened their bank and law office in this Italianate building soon after it was completed in 1873, using bricks from Brenham's own Wild & Co. Brickyard. The bank operated here until it closed in 1884, and a third story was added in the early 1900s. Its round arches and stucco hood moldings made it a distinctive landmark on the Brenham streetscape.
Why it matters
The building reflects the local banking and commerce that fueled Texas town growth in the Reconstruction and Gilded Age decades.
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Related people
- · Benjamin H. Bassett
- · Thomas J. Bassett
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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