Simpson-Williamson House
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Virginia Native Friench Simpson (1848-192) came to Colorado County in the 1860s. A farmer, banker, Columbus mayor, state Senator, and poet, Simpson had this home built for his family in 1882. After 1916, it became the home of Dr. C. A. Williamson (d. 1925), an early Columbus physician, and remained in that family until 1968. The home exhibits influences of the Italianate and Eastlake architectural styles in its decorative milled wood detailing and ornamental roof cresting. RTHL - 1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Friench Simpson came to Colorado County as a young Virginian in the 1860s and rose to become a farmer, banker, Columbus mayor, state senator, and published poet — a portrait of Gilded Age ambition in a small Texas town. In 1882 he built this ornate house, its Italianate and Eastlake milled woodwork and roof cresting advertising the prosperity of the era. After 1916 it passed to physician Dr. C. A. Williamson, whose family kept it until 1968.
Why it matters
The house preserves the fashionable architecture and civic ambition of post-Reconstruction Texas, when small-town bankers and doctors shaped the look and leadership of their communities.
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Related people
- · Friench Simpson
- · Dr. C. A. Williamson
Themes & tags
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