Nelson Log House
Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Robert Carroll Nelson (1835-1914) constructed this log house for his family soon after arriving in the area in 1861. Using readily available resources, Nelson built the house of post oak logs, with a chimney and foundation of hewn ironstone. A Cooke County commissioner and justice of the peace, Nelson and his wife, Elizabeth, reared their six children here. Noteworthy for its retention of original materials and exposed log construction, the Nelson log cabin exhibits fine pioneer craftsmanship and has remained in the Nelson family for most of its existence. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Soon after reaching the area in 1861, Robert Carroll Nelson built this house of post oak logs with a chimney and foundation of hewn ironstone. He served as a county commissioner and justice of the peace, and he and his wife Elizabeth raised six children here. Its original materials and exposed logs preserve a fine example of pioneer craftsmanship.
Why it matters
A hand-built log house held in one family for generations is a living record of the frontier settlement and homely public service that built rural North Texas.
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Related people
- · Robert Carroll Nelson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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