J. M. Hansbro's Law Office
Coldspring, San Jacinto County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1870. First structure moved to new Coldsprings after fire destroyed first courthouse, 1915. A new town site was selected. The San Jacinto County Abstract Co. was housed in this building many years. County's first telephone was installed here. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1870, this modest structure became a survivor of San Jacinto County's history: it was the first building moved to the relocated town of Coldspring after fire destroyed the courthouse in 1915. For years it housed the county abstract company, and it holds the distinction of being where the county's first telephone was installed.
Why it matters
Buildings like this trace how small county-seat towns rebuilt themselves after disaster and adopted new technologies that tied rural America into a modern, connected nation.
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Related people
- ยท J. M. Hansbro
Themes & tags
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