Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site facts for kids

Fanthorp Inn
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Fanthorp Inn in 2008
Location	579 S. Main St., Anderson, Texas
Area	6 acres (2.4 ha)
Built	1834 (1834)
Built by	Henry Fanthorp
Architectural style	Log house, Dogtrot house
Part of	Anderson Historic District (ID74002072)
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Designated CP	March 15, 1974

The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is a really old hotel in Anderson, Texas. Today, it's a special place managed by the Texas Historical Commission. The state bought the 6-acre site in 1977 from one of Henry Fanthorp's family members. It took ten years to make the Inn look just like it did in 1850. It opened to visitors on October 4, 1987.

Henry Fanthorp, who came from England, built this log house in 1834. It was first a home for him and his wife, Rachel. He owned a lot of land, about 1100 acres! The house was built along a road that crossed his property. Around 1850, the building was made bigger. This was so it could be used as both a hotel and a store.

A Historic Texas Stop

Fanthorp Inn: A Busy Hub

Henry Fanthorp became a postmaster in 1835. This was a big deal because the Inn became the first post office in the area. Imagine getting your mail here!

The Fanthorp Inn quickly became a very popular stop. It was a place for stagecoaches to rest and change horses. Many travelers and people from the community also stopped here. It was a busy and important spot in early Texas.

A Vice-President's Last Stop

On July 3, 1845, something sad happened at the Inn. Kenneth Lewis Anderson, who was the vice-president of the Republic of Texas, passed away there. He was on his way home from Washington-on-the-Brazos when he became ill.

Who Manages the Inn Now?

For many years, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department took care of the Fanthorp Inn. But on September 1, 2019, the site was transferred. Now, the Texas Historical Commission is in charge. They help preserve this important piece of Texas history.