Site of Old St. Anthony Hotel
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Center of Brenham hospitality for 122 years. Originally a two-story log stage depot adjoined by a log cabin complex called the Washington County Hotel. Changed owners several times through the years. General Sam Houston once stayed here while campaigning against secession. Renamed St. Anthony Hotel 1914, by new owner Mrs. A. A. Hacker, who did extensive remodeling. Served as a transfer station for train passengers and as a bus terminal. Her hotel was noted for more than 30 years for its hospitality and annual Christmas Day open house and egg nog party.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
For 122 years this spot was the center of Brenham hospitality, beginning as a two-story log stage depot and cabin complex known as the Washington County Hotel. General Sam Houston once lodged here while campaigning against secession on the eve of the Civil War. Renamed the St. Anthony Hotel in 1914 after a remodeling by Mrs. A. A. Hacker, it served travelers as a train transfer station and later a bus terminal, famed for its annual Christmas eggnog party.
Why it matters
A crossroads inn that hosted stagecoaches, railroads, and buses — and even Sam Houston — captures how travel and community life evolved across a century of Texas history.
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Related people
- · Sam Houston
- · Mrs. A. A. Hacker
Themes & tags
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