Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historic Site facts for kids
The Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historic Site is a special historical place managed by the Texas Historical Commission. It was once the home of James S. Hogg, who was a former Governor of Texas, and his family. You can find this site outside West Columbia, in Brazoria County.
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Varner-Hogg Plantation
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Originally the rear of the house, Ima Hogg converted this to be the front entrance of Varner-Hogg in the 1920s
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 Varner-Hogg Plantation
Location in Texas
Varner-Hogg Plantation
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | West Columbia, Texas |
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| Area | 65.7 acres (26.6 ha) |
| Built | 1824 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004082 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 9, 1980 |
Contents
The Plantation's Early Days
The land was first owned by Martin Varner. He was one of the "Old Three Hundred" settlers in Stephen F. Austin's colony. Martin Varner also fought in the Texas Revolution. His land grant was very large, over 4,600 acres (1,900 ha).
In 1824, Varner built the first house on the property. It was a simple log cabin. He grew corn and sugar cane on his land. He also raised cattle. Varner had at least two enslaved people working for him. It is thought that he might have made rum from the sugar cane.
The Patton Family and Sugar Production
In 1834, Martin Varner sold his land to Columbus R. Patton. The property then became known as the Patton Plantation. The Pattons built the main house that you see today. It was built on the same spot where Varner's cabin once stood.
The Patton family turned the property into a large sugar plantation. Columbus Patton brought enslaved people from Kentucky to work there. By 1833, about sixty-six enslaved people worked on the 13,500 acres of land.
Texas Revolution and Santa Anna
Several members of the Patton family were involved in the Texas Revolution. William H. Patton was a special assistant to Sam Houston, a famous Texas leader. William was part of the group that guarded Antonio López de Santa Anna. Santa Anna was the Mexican general captured after the Battle of San Jacinto. For a short time, Santa Anna was held at the Patton Plantation.
Changes in Ownership
In 1854, Columbus Patton became unwell and could no longer manage his property. A local farmer, John Adriance, took control of the land. When Patton passed away in 1856, he did not have a will. This meant his family had to go through a legal process to get the land. They gave some land to Adriance and eventually gained control. However, they sold the property by 1869.
For a while, the property was worked by prisoners through a special system. This continued until the 1900 Galveston hurricane hit. The hurricane destroyed most of the buildings. However, the main farmhouse remained standing.
Governor Hogg's Vision
Former Governor Jim Hogg bought the property in 1902. He saw it as a good investment. He believed there was a lot of oil hidden on the land. Soon after buying it, he started drilling for oil. Sadly, he passed away in 1906, 14 years before oil was actually found.
In 1920, oil was discovered on the land. This oil discovery became the main source of wealth for his children.
Ima Hogg's Legacy
The Governor's family rented out the land for livestock grazing and farming. His daughter, Ima Hogg, decided to fix up the old house. In 1958, she gave the house and land to the state of Texas. She wanted to honor her father and other Texas heroes.
During her renovations, Ima Hogg gave each room in the house a theme. Each room represented a different time period in Texas history.
Location and Features
The Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historic Site is located on Farm to Market Road 2852. This is just off State Highway 35. It is about two miles north of West Columbia. The site covers almost 66 acres (27 ha). Varner Creek flows through the property.
The site features an 1835-era farmhouse. Miss Ima Hogg carefully restored this house. The house and other buildings show what life was like on a Texas plantation before the American Civil War. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 9, 1980.
