HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

The Sparks House

Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas

Marker Inscription

The typical East Texas pioneer home stands on the Pedro Esparza Grant, affirmed by Spain about 1810. It was the residence of Dr. John Marion Sparks (1831-1909), whose family came to Texas in 1832 and whose father, Richard (1793-1839), was the last alcalde of Nacogdoches before the Texas Revolution. Built before 1851 about 8 miles north of this site, the Sparks House was enlarged in 1884. Capt. and Mrs. Charles K. Phillips bought the structure in 1971 and moved it here for restoration. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Standing on the Pedro Esparza Grant confirmed by Spain around 1810, this pioneer home belonged to Dr. John Marion Sparks, whose family reached Texas in 1832 and whose father Richard served as the last alcalde of Nacogdoches before the Texas Revolution. Built before 1851 and enlarged in 1884, the typical East Texas dwelling was moved to its present site for restoration in 1971.

Why it matters

The Sparks House ties a single family to the Spanish grant, the last Mexican government of Nacogdoches, and the coming of the Texas Republic, tracing the layered origins of East Texas settlement.

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Related people

  • · John Marion Sparks
  • · Richard Sparks

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionFrontier HistoryHome

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