HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Whitehead Home

Livingston, Polk County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Built 1856 for John S. whitehead, a teacher; in his family ever since. Of native, hand-hewn pine construction. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Built in 1856 for schoolteacher John S. Whitehead, this home of native, hand-hewn pine has remained in the same family ever since. Its simple, sturdy construction reflects the resourcefulness of settlers in the Polk County woods, who raised their houses from the timber at hand. That an early teacher built and kept it hints at the value frontier communities placed on learning.

Why it matters

The Whitehead Home preserves the craftsmanship and continuity of a pioneer East Texas family across more than a century and a half.

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Related people

  • · John S. Whitehead

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