James Calvin Rhea House
McKinney, Collin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
James Calvin Rhea (1837-1925) came to Texas from Tennessee in 1855. He and his brother, W.A. Rhea, built a gristmill in the Collin county community that became known as Rhea Mills. Built about 1890 by John W. Hamilton, this home features Eastlake style elements in its wraparound veranda, ornamental woodwork, and sunburst panels. The home remained in the Rhea family until 1956. A Civil War Veteran, Rhea and his wife Mary are buried nearby in Pecan Grove Cemetery. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1989 Incise on base: Restoration completed by Harry E. and Rebecca Sue McKillop
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James Calvin Rhea came from Tennessee to Texas in 1855 and, with his brother, built the gristmill that gave the community of Rhea Mills its name. This elegant home, built around 1890, shows off Eastlake-style flourishes—a wraparound veranda, ornamental woodwork, and sunburst panels—and stayed in the Rhea family until 1956. A Civil War veteran, Rhea lies with his wife Mary in nearby Pecan Grove Cemetery.
Why it matters
Homes of milling entrepreneurs like Rhea preserve the story of the small industries and Victorian prosperity that built out rural Texas after the Civil War.
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Related people
- · James Calvin Rhea
- · W. A. Rhea
- · John W. Hamilton
Themes & tags
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