HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Jardine-Brown House

Walker County, Walker County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Robert and Jane Jardine Browne built east cabin of hewn pine logs on walnut posts, 1849. Site was part of James Jardine (or Jordan) League--1835 land grant surveyed 1838 by Republic of Texas for Jane's uncle. The west cabin of sawed pine logs was added for growing family. James F. Browne, a son born and reared here, added the lean-to bedroom, dining room and detached kitchen. Bought 1940 from the heirs and restored 1966 by Ben H. Powell, Jr.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Robert and Jane Jardine Browne raised their first cabin here in 1849 from hewn pine logs on walnut posts, on land granted in 1835 to Jane's uncle and surveyed by the Republic of Texas. As the family grew, so did the house — a second log cabin, then a lean-to bedroom, dining room, and detached kitchen added by their Texas-born son. Purchased from the family's heirs in 1940, the homestead was restored in 1966.

Why it matters

The evolving Browne cabin embodies the pioneer homestead of the early Texas Republic, growing room by room as a settler family put down roots.

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Related people

  • · Robert Browne
  • · Jane Jardine Browne
  • · James F. Browne

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