George L. and Roxie Brooks Porter Home
Hillsboro, Hill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1881, Tennessee native George L. Porter (1854-1928) wed Roxie Brooks (1863-1927), daughter of early Hill County official Cincinattus Ney Brooks. George was a merchant in nearby Peoria (6 mi. W) and later served as an officer in Sturgis National and Citizens National banks in Hillsboro. The Porters were community leaders and active members of Hillsboro's First Baptist Church. In 1901, Roxie's brother O.D. Brooks constructed this Queen Anne style house, selling it to the couple that same year. It features a wrapped porch, Tuscan columns, decorative shingling, and a massed plan with hipped roof and cross gables. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Tennessee native George L. Porter married Roxie Brooks, daughter of an early Hill County official, in 1881, and rose from merchant in nearby Peoria to bank officer in Hillsboro. In 1901 Roxie's brother built this Queen Anne house—with its wrapping porch, Tuscan columns, and decorative shingles—and sold it to the couple, who were leaders in the town's civic life and First Baptist Church. It survives as a fine example of turn-of-the-century Texas domestic architecture.
Why it matters
The house reflects the prosperity and civic leadership of the merchant-banker class that shaped Gilded Age Texas county seats.
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Related people
- · George L. Porter
- · Roxie Brooks Porter
Themes & tags
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