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Civil WarReconstruction & Gilded Age

The Marsh Place

Jefferson, Marion County, Texas

Marker Inscription

One of the very early houses in Jefferson-- apparently built by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Parks in 1860, when city was known as greatest river port in the southwest. Bought 1861 by S. Marsh (1811-1870), this was called the Marsh Place for many years, although owned in turn by various businessmen. For over half a century it was home of Sarah Terhune Taylor (Mrs. H. C. Taylor), a socially prominent charter member of 1881 Club, one of Texas' oldest women's clubs. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Built around 1860 by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Parks when Jefferson was the greatest river port in the Southwest, this home was bought in 1861 by S. Marsh, whose name it long carried. For more than half a century it was home to Sarah Terhune Taylor, a charter member of the 1881 Club—one of Texas's oldest women's clubs.

Why it matters

The house links the boom years of inland river commerce to the rise of women's clubs, an early avenue through which women shaped civic and cultural life.

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Related people

  • · S. Marsh
  • · Sarah Terhune Taylor

Themes & tags

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