William Garrett House
San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas
Marker Inscription
William Garrett (1808-84) purchased this land soon after coming to Texas in 1830. In 1861, he erected this two-story house using pine boards from his nearby sawmill. Built by slave labor, the structure had unusual free-standing columns in front and carved mantels over its six fireplaces. Garrett's home was often a stop for travelers on the Old San Antonio Road. The property was sold to Sam Parker in 1904. C. T. and Ruby (Parker) Dorsey are the current (1975) owners. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1962
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William Garrett (1808–84) bought this San Augustine County land soon after coming to Texas in 1830 and in 1861 raised a two-story house from pine milled at his own nearby sawmill. Built by enslaved laborers, the home featured unusual free-standing columns and carved mantels over its six fireplaces, and it often sheltered travelers on the Old San Antonio Road. The property passed to the Parker family in 1904.
Why it matters
The house stands as a tangible record of both antebellum plantation-era life and the enslaved craftsmen whose labor built the homes of the Old San Antonio Road.
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Related people
- · William Garrett
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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