Seward Plantation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Seward Plantation
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John H. Seward House
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 Seward Plantation
Location in Texas
Seward Plantation
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10005 FM 390 E, Independence, Texas |
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| Area | approx. 60 acres (24 ha) |
| Built | 1855 |
| Built by | John H. Seward |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 12001250 |
| Added to NRHP | January 29, 2013 |
The Seward Plantation is a historic place in Independence, Texas. It was built in 1855. This site was once a large farm called a plantation. Later, it became a ranch. The Seward Plantation has been recognized as an important historical spot. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2013.
Where is the Seward Plantation?
The Seward Plantation is located about one mile east of Independence. It is also close to Brenham in Washington County, Texas. You can find it off Farm to Market Road 390. This road is also known as La Bahía Road.
The Historic La Bahía Road
The La Bahía Road has a long history. It was first an old trail used by Native Americans. Later, Spanish explorers used it in the 1600s. You can still see parts of this old road on the Seward Plantation today.
The History of Seward Plantation
The story of the Seward Plantation begins in the 1830s.
Samuel Seward Arrives in Texas
Between 1832 and 1833, Samuel Seward moved to Texas. He came from Illinois with Stephen F. Austin. Austin was a very important person in Texas history. He helped bring many American settlers to the area. Samuel Seward bought a lot of land, over 2,000 acres in total.
Building the Main House
In the 1850s, Texas had become a state. Samuel's son, John Hoblett Seward, took over the land. John was married to Laura Jane Roberts. The main house on the plantation was built in 1855. It was first a one-story building.
Moving the House
About a year after it was built, the house was moved. Workers rolled it on large logs for almost a mile. They moved it because the first spot was too muddy when it rained. It was also unhealthy in cold weather. The house was built mostly from cedar trees. These trees grew right near the original building site. The house still stands strong on a stone base.
Growing the Plantation Home
After the house was moved, the Seward family added a second story. They also made other changes over the years. Once it was made bigger, the plantation home became the largest house in Washington County.
Other Buildings on the Property
The plantation had many other buildings. These included barns and log cabins. There was also a smokehouse for curing meat. A corn crib stored corn, and a blacksmith's shop made and repaired metal items. Many of these old buildings are still standing today.
From Cotton Farm to Cattle Ranch
Before the American Civil War (1861-1865), the plantation grew cotton. Cotton was a very important crop in the Southern United States. After the war ended, the plantation changed. It became a cattle ranch instead of a cotton farm.
Surviving and Continuing the Legacy
The house was strong enough to survive the big storm of 1900. The Seward Plantation stayed in the Seward family for a very long time. In 2017, a new family from Houston bought it. They are now working to restore the property. They use the historic house as their private home.
See also
