Sweeny Home
Angleton, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Tennessee native Rees P. Sweeny (1856-1937) constructed this raised Victorian house in 1896, the year Angleton became the seat of government for Brazoria County. The county's tax collector from the early 1890s to 1902, Sweeny moved here as part of the transition from the earlier county seat, Brazoria. The Sweeny home, which features a central hall plan and was sturdily built on high ground, has often been a refuge during local floods and hurricanes. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Tennessee native Rees P. Sweeny built this raised Victorian house in 1896, the very year Angleton became the seat of Brazoria County. As the county's tax collector, Sweeny relocated here as part of the transition from the older county seat at Brazoria. Set sturdily on high ground with a central-hall plan, his home has repeatedly sheltered neighbors during the floods and hurricanes that sweep the Gulf coast.
Why it matters
The Sweeny home marks the founding moment of Angleton as a county seat and reflects the coastal Texas tradition of building high and strong against flood and storm.
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Related people
- · Rees P. Sweeny
Themes & tags
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