George Washington Baines House
Salado, Bell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in the 1860s, this house was the residence of the Rev. George Washington Baines (1809-83) from 1870 to 1883. A pioneer Baptist preacher, missionary, editor, and educator, the Rev. Baines was the great-grandfather of United States President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The one-and-one-half-story frame house features characteristics of the Greek Revival style, including the distinctive front porch with square columns, transoms, and delicate ornamentation. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This modest Greek Revival frame house was the home of the Rev. George Washington Baines from 1870 until his death in 1883βa pioneer Baptist preacher, missionary, editor, and educator who was the great-grandfather of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Built in the 1860s, it survives with its square-columned front porch, transoms, and delicate ornamentation intact. Baines's ministry and teaching rippled through Texas Baptist life for generations.
Why it matters
The home ties a formative figure of Texas religion and education directly to the family roots of a twentieth-century American president.
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Related people
- Β· George Washington Baines
- Β· Lyndon Baines Johnson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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