Goodman–LeGrand House Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Goodman–LeGrand House
Goodman–LeGrand House in 2019
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Established	1940 (1940)
Location	624 N. Broadway Tyler, Texas
Type	Historic house Park and gardens
Architect	Samuel Gallatin Smith

The Goodman–LeGrand House is a historic home and museum in Tyler, Texas. You can find it at 624 North Broadway. This special house is located in Smith County, Texas, in the state of Texas. It became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1962, meaning it's an important historical place in Texas. Later, in 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which lists important historical sites across the country. In 2010, the Daughters of the American Revolution also recognized it as an Historic Site.

History of the Goodman–LeGrand House
Goodman–LeGrand Museum
- Becoming a Public Museum
- Visiting the Museum
  - Museum Hours and Admission
Gallery
See also

History of the Goodman–LeGrand House

The Goodman–LeGrand House has a long and interesting history. It was first built in 1859.

Building the Original Home

The house was originally named Bonnie Castle. Samuel Gallatin Smith, the first owner, built it. It was designed in the Greek Revival style. The house sat on a large piece of land, about 9 acres, in Tyler.

Changes During the Civil War

In 1861, Samuel Gallatin Smith joined the Confederate Army. He then sold Bonnie Castle to F.N. Gary, a teacher from Tyler. Mr. Gary never lived in the house himself. After the city of New Orleans was captured in 1862, many families had to leave their homes. Mr. Gary kindly offered Bonnie Castle as a safe place for these families.

The Goodman Family Moves In

In 1866, Mr. Gary sold the house to Samuel A. Goodman, a doctor who had retired. A few years later, in 1872, Samuel's son, William J. Goodman, bought the house for $3,000. William, who was also a doctor, moved in with his wife, Priscilla Gaston Goodman. They raised their four children in the house. In 1880, they added a second floor to the building. They also added Victorian-style double porches all around the house.

The LeGrand Family and Remodeling

Sallie Goodman, one of William and Priscilla's daughters, continued to live in the house. She married James Hutcheson LeGrand in 1893. The couple was very involved in their community. They often hosted charity events and social gatherings at their home. They were also big supporters of the Tyler rose festival. Sadly, their only son passed away at a young age in 1896.

When William Goodman passed away in 1921, Sallie inherited the house. In 1926, the LeGrands completely updated the house. They changed its style to the Classic revival look you see today. During this renovation, the unique semi-circular porches were added.

Goodman–LeGrand Museum

After James Hutcheson LeGrand passed away in 1935, Sallie LeGrand continued to live in the house. When Sallie passed away on October 12, 1939, she left the house and all her personal writings to the City of Tyler.

Becoming a Public Museum

The house officially became property of the City of Tyler in 1940. In 1962, it was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. This means it's an important historical site in Texas. In 1976, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the country that are important to history. In 2010, the Daughters of the American Revolution also named it a national Historic Site. The house underwent a big renovation starting in 2010, which was finished in 2011.

Visiting the Museum

The City of Tyler takes care of the house and its beautiful gardens.

Museum Hours and Admission

The museum is open to visitors five days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The LeGrand Park & Gardens are open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free to visit, but donations are welcome to help maintain this historic place.