Caroline Gilbert Hinchee House
Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A descendant of a distinguished pioneer Connecticut family, Caroline "Carrie" Gilbert (1863-1913) was born in Beaumont. Educated at leading art institutions, she was an accomplished artist and art teacher. In 1900 she married Martin Luther Hinchee, an Illinois native who became a successful Beaumont businessman. Caroline became wealthy through her association with the Gilbert Oil company, an independent oil production firm founded by her family. In 1900 she purchased this property and six years later had this elaborate residence constructed. Designed by the prominent Beaumont architect Henry C. Mauer, it features Queen Anne styling with classical revival influences. Outstanding details include the tiled roof, wide wraparound veranda, stained glass and red stone foundation. the interior includes a glass conservatory and one of the city's early residential elevators. The Hinchee House reflects Caroline's status as a social leader of the community. Active in the First Methodist Church, she was a charter member of the Col. George Moffett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her home remains as a symbol of Beaumont at the turn of the century and as a reminder of her many contributions to the city. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Caroline "Carrie" Gilbert Hinchee (1863–1913), a Beaumont-born artist and teacher trained at leading institutions, married businessman Martin Luther Hinchee in 1900 and drew wealth from her family's Gilbert Oil Company. In 1906 she built this elaborate Queen Anne residence, designed by architect Henry C. Mauer, with a tiled roof, wraparound veranda, stained glass, a glass conservatory, and one of the city's first residential elevators. A civic leader and DAR charter member, she made the home a symbol of turn-of-the-century Beaumont.
Why it matters
The house shows how the Spindletop oil fortune reshaped Beaumont's social landscape and gives a rare spotlight to a woman who was both an accomplished artist and an independent figure of wealth and influence.
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Related people
- · Caroline Gilbert Hinchee
- · Martin Luther Hinchee
- · Henry C. Mauer
Themes & tags
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