Articles
Historic Markers of Hood County
ACTON CEMETERY 1968 #79
Location of Acton historic site, smallest state park in Texas.
Includes the grave of Mrs. Elizabeth P. Crockett (1788-1860), widow
of the Alamo Hero David Crockett, and 2 of his children. In 1911 a
monument and statue were erected to her memory. Acton (formerly
Comanche Peak Post Office) was named in 1855 by C.P. Hollis, first
merchant in town. In spite of early name, Acton had few Comanche
Raids. After erecting a building for church and school, area
pioneers selected this plot as cemetery. First person buried here
was Mrs. Wash Hutcheson, in 1855.
ACTON METHODIST CHURCH 1990 #80
Settlement of Acton, originally known as Comanche Peak Post Office,
began in the early 1850's. By 1855 several local churches, including
the Methodist congregation which gave rise to this church, formed a
union church and shared a sanctuary on nearby Walnut Creek.
Beginning in 1868 union church services were held in the Masonic
Lodge Hall. Acton Methodist was well established by 1873, the year
it hosted the Methodist Church district conference. In 1874 church
trustees purchased 4.4 acres here from V.S. Anglin and G.W. Patton
for church, school, and burial purposes. The congregation built its
first sanctuary in 1899 and a tabernacle in 1908. Other facilities,
built over the years, supported a growing congregation and housed
fellowship and Sunday school programs. The name of the congregation
was changed to the Methodist Church in 1939 and to Acton United
Methodist Church in 1968. Construction of the nearby de Cordova bend
reservoir in 1966 restored prosperity to this area and resulted in a
steady expansion of the Acton Methodist congregation; membership in
the church grew from 106 in 1973 to 1196 in 1993. The church
continues to serve the community with a variety of worship,
educational, and outreach programs and activities.
ACTON PUBLIC SQUARE 1976 #81
The oldest community in what is now Hood County, Acton was settled
during the 1850's. First called "Comanche Peak" when a post office
was established here on March 10, 1856, the town was renamed "Acton"
before the post office was reopened, March 16, 1868. Clarence P.
Hollis, pioneer merchant and early postmaster, donated 1.43 acres of
land for this public square in the 1860's. Once the hub of
commercial activity, the square declined after many of the buildings
around it burned. The site was resurveyed in 1974 and restored as
center of this rural community.
ADD-RAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 1936 #84
Here J.A. Clark and his two sons, Addison and Randolph began a
private school chartered in 1873 under the name of Add-ran Christian
College. Removed to Waco on December 25, 1895. Reestablished at Fort
Worth in 1909 as Texas Christian University.
ASTON HOUSE 1978 #221 221 E. Bridge St.
When Hood County Native Andy C. Aston (1857-1917) married young
Dorothy Ficklin (1875-1961), he promised her a fine home. He had
gifted designer and builder E.J. Holderness erect this ornate Queen
Anne Style House in 1905. A warm-hearted person, active in her
church and community, Mrs. Aston often opened the house to large
gatherings. An Andy Aston grandchild was born here before the
property passed from the family in 1925.
ASTON-LANDERS BUILDING 1974 #222 113 Bridge St.
Erected 1893 as a saloon by Andy Aston and George Landers; of native
stone, with patented iron front. Here occurred a 1901 duel that
badly injured a non-participating horseman on the square. Crusader
Carrie nation visited Granbury in 1905, and in 1906 voters outlawed
liquor. Afterward Aston had his Buggy and Harness shop in the
building, employing fine leather craftsmen Charlie Maxwell and
Wilkes McCuen. Later the building housed shops of many kinds.
BAKER-CARMICHAEL HOUSE 1996 #33395 225 East Pearl
Jess Baker, prominent local businessman, banker, and member of the
Texas House of Representatives, and his wife, Alice built this house
in 1905. Following Jess Baker's death in 1908, and Alice Baker's
death in 1922, the house was purchased by Dr. Arch Carmichael, a
prominent local physician, and his wife, Dora. This house is a fine
example of a Queen Anne residence with some classical revival
elements. It features a corner turret, formal portico with two-story
columns, and a wraparound porch.
BAKER-DOYLE BUILDING 1988 #283 123 N. Houston St.
John D. Baker (1848-1899) had this building constructed in 1882 for
his dry goods store. A merchant and community leader, Baker later
moved to Weatherford. His partner, James H. Doyle (1846-1933),
became sole owner of the building in 1899. Later occupants included
city national bank, grocers, dentists, and doctors. Built of native
limestone, the high Victorian Italianate structure features arched
window openings with fanlights and a simple stone cornice.
BAKER-RYLEE BUILDING AND TOWN SQUARE SERVICE STATION
1986 #284 201 E. Pearl St.
This cut limestone structure was built in 1895 to house the hardware
operation of D.O. Baker and J.D. Rylee. The following year, Baker's
brother Jess joined the partnership, and in 1898 the store became
the Baker Hardware Company. When the Transcontinental Oil Company.
Purchased the building in 1929, two walls were removed to provide
automobile access for the sale of gasoline. A landmark on the
square, the building reflects Granbury's early commercial growth.
BOWDEN-KENNON HOUSE 1984 #473 #6248 505 W. Doyle (picture)
Built between 1908 and 1914 for the family of Ralph W. Bowden
(1873-1954), this home features leaded glass windows and steeply
pitched gables with flaring eaves. Bowden, a Granbury merchant,
served as a city councilman and established an early telephone
system for the area. The home was sold in 1914 to Perry H. Kennon
(1864-1927), who served as Hood county tax assessor for ten years.
The home stands as a reflection of Granbury's years of growth and
prominence.
BUSH-MORGAN CHERRY BUILDING 1984 #579 115 N. Houston St.
Constructed in 1891, this building has been associated throughout
its history with prominent Granbury citizens and successful
businesses. From 1891 until 1894, it served as the dry goods store
of F.C. Bush, who was the city tax collector and secretary in 1892.
In 1895 the building housed the Morgan Drug Store, run by Eugene H.
Morgan, who later became a prominent local physician. For the next
72 years, the building was associated with other drugstores,
including that of William H. Cherry, who served as mayor of Granbury
and as a director of The First National Bank.
CITY NAMED FOR GENERAL H.B. GRANBURY 1963 #6251
A Mississippian. Came to Texas early 1850s. Lawyer in Waco,
recruited Waco Guards, Confederate Army, 1861. Elected Major 7th
Texas Infantry. Beat back Federals some miles, Fort Donelson, Tenn.,
Feb. 1862. Captured there, exchanged Aug. Colonel in Vicksburg
campaign to prevent split of Confederacy along Mississippi River.
Took 306 men into battle, lost 158. Chickamauga, Sept. 1863 severely
wounded. Had brigade command Missionary Ridge. Promoted Brigadier
General 1864. Led Granbury's Texas Brigade into Tennessee with Hood.
Was one of 6 Confederate Generals killed at Franklin, Tenn. Buried
in Granbury Cemetery. (Back of Gen. H.B. Granbury) Granbury's Texas
Brigade Formed in Autumn 1863 from remnant of Deshler's Brigade.
Texas units included 6th, 7th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 24th,
25th Infantry, with 3rd, 5th Confederate Regiments of Memphis. Nov.
1863 battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Granbury's men
repulsed Sherman's attacks repeatedly. C.S.A. Congress thanked unit
for valor at Ringgold Gap at Kennesaw Mountain, this and fellow
Brigade counted 700 enemy casualties at their front after one
charge. In bayonet combat, yells in the dark from Granbury's men
were sufficient to rout Federals. Before troops of equal number in
open field the unit was unconquerable. Fought entrenched army,
Franklin, Tenn. Battle. Flags flying, drums rolling, but with no
cover Granbury's men ran forth on the double. Courage inspired by
the leader named it forever: Granbury's Brigade. Erected by the
State of Texas 1963
COMANCHE PEAK 1969 #993
Prominent Indian and pioneer landmark. Actually a Mesa, the peak
rises 1,229 feet (above sea level). May have had ceremonial value
for local tribes or have been a look-out point for game and enemies.
A Comanche trail crossed county in this vicinity. In 1846 whites and
Indians en route to the so-called "peak" for a meeting almost failed
to find it because of its flat top. Later settlers held dances here
and students from Add-Ran College (about 10 miles north) had picnics
at the peak. Boys also hunted wolves and rattlesnakes among caves
and rocks on the top.
COUNTY NAMED FOR FAMOUS CONFEDERATE GENERAL JOHN BELL HOOD
1963 #6259
Born Kentucky. West Point graduate. Army service on Texas frontier
led Hood to adopt the Lone Star State. Resigned U.S. Army 1861 to
serve South. Commanded 4th Texas Infantry. Led "Hood's Texas," most
renowned Confederate Brigade. Rose rapidly to Lieutenant General.
Known as "The Fighting General" for leadership in the Army of
Northern Virginia. Although lost leg Battle Chickamauga, became
commander Army of Tennessee. A memorial to Texans who served the
Confederacy Erected by the State of Texas 1963.
DANIEL HOUSE 1981 #1166 107 Bluff St.
In 1867, at the age of 10, William B. Daniel (d. 1940) came to
Granbury with his parents. Following his father in the grocery
business, he became a leading merchant of the city. In the early
1890's he built this Victorian residence for his family. Decorated
with intricate Eastlake detailing, the home was a center of social
activity and was also used for early funeral services of family and
friends. After Daniel's death, the house remained in the family.
DANIEL-HARRIS HOME 1981 #1169 403 W. Bridge St.
Early Granbury merchant and saloonkeeper Robert Randolph Daniel
(1864-1918) had this house built about 1892. In 1899 it was sold to
Wesley Smith Harris (1854-1930), a prominent local furniture dealer
and undertaker. Representative of elegant turn-of-the-century homes
in Granbury, the Victorian residence reflects influences of the
Italianate and Eastlake styles and features an ornate square tower
and intricate ornamentation.
DAVID L. NUTT HOME 1966 #1172 319 E. Bridge St.
Two story house built in 1879 by David Lee Nutt, who came to Texas
from Missouri in 1857. Constructed, plantation-style, with cypress
lumber hauled by ox cart from east Texas. Home soon converted into
hood county's first hotel, humorously named "The Nutt House" by the
family. Patrons were drummers visiting Nutt's mercantile store.
Became a home again in 1900. Nutt was a donor of 40 acres for
original Granbury town site.
DR. WILLIAM & EUNICE WALKER HOUSE 315 W. Bridge St.
Known as "The Honeymoon Cottage," this house was built about 1895
for Dr. William and Eunice Fitzhugh Walker. An eye, ear, nose, and
throat specialist, Dr. Walker also owned the Palace Drugstore in
Tolar. Built by local contractor E.J. Holderness, the Walker home is
a fine example of a Victorian cottage with Eastlake detailing,
including turned woodwork, fish scale shingles in the gables, and
stained glass windows. The Walkers sold the home in 1897 to former
Hood County sheriff and State Representative B.W. Morris.
E.A. HANNAFORD BUILDING 1999 #27299 130 N. Houston St.
Born in England and reared in Ohio, E.A. Hannaford (1841-1915)
served in the Union Army. He came to Granbury from Ohio in 1871.
Establishing his drugstore in a tent he and merchant J.D. Baker had
a two-part commercial building erected in the Italianate style in
1886. Among the first stone building s in Granbury, it was commonly
known as the "Arch Block." The cornice on this side advertised
Hannaford's drug and book store. "Doc" Hannaford became a prominent
civic leader and businessman. After his death his nephew operated
the drugstore. Ealry second-floor tenants included the Granbury
Graphics Newspaper, doctor's offices and a beauty parlor.
E.A. HANNAFORD HOUSE 1988 #1313 126 S. Lambert St.
Built in 1881-82 by Edwin Augustus Hannaford (1841-1915), this home
serves as a reflection of his high standing in the community. A
native of England, Hannaford came to Granbury in 1871 and opened the
town's first drugstore. He and his wife, Nettie, were both respected
civic leaders. Exhibiting Italianate details, the home features a
central entry flanked by bay windows, bracketed eaves, and
pedimented window surrounds.
ELIZABETH CROCKETT 1911 #1457
Home of Elizabeth Crockett Wife of David Crockett, hero of the
Alamo. She died here March 2, 1860. Age 74.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GRANBURY 1977 #1711 Hwy 377 W.
This church was organized in the 1870's with the aid of Addison and
Randolph Clark. In 1873 they helped their father Joseph A. Clark
establish the add-ran male and female college at Thorp Spring (3.8
miles northwest), which later became Texas Christian University of
Fort Worth. The Clark Brothers shared responsibilities as the first
pastors. In 1889 the men of the fellowship erected a frame sanctuary
on property purchased from D.C. Cogdell. This congregation has grown
rapidly since the completion of Lake Granbury in 1969.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GRANBURY
1972 #6250 101 Bridge St.
First unit in structure was built 1883--year private bank was opened
by D.C. Cogdell and John H. Traylor. National Bank charter was
issued in 1887 and second structural unit was later acquired.
Besides the organizers, officials have included Jeff Nutt (1900-32);
C.H. Bencini (1935-36); Jake Green (1936-48); Henry Zweifel
(1929-70); John S. Luton (1952- ). The hand-hewn native limestone
structure is a good example of Victorian commercial building.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GRANBURY
1974 #1837 309 N. Bridge St.
Presbyterians held services in this locality in the 1850's and
organized this church in 1879, only a few years after Granbury was
founded. Charter members included the Bowdens, Carmichaels, Doyles,
Gastons, Greens, Kens, Lyles, Mrs. Eliza Nunn and Mrs. Hattie D.
Peveler. The congregation built this sanctuary in 1895-96. Style is
modified gothic, with 3-story belfry and steeple. A stained glass
window was added in 1964.
FORMER ACTON MASONIC LODGE HALL
1975 #1945 FM 167 Acton
Begun in 1866 and completed in 1868, this native stone structure was
erected by Acton Lodge no. 285, A.F. & A.M. The top floor housed The
Lodge Hall, while the lower floor was used as a schoolhouse, church,
and social center. After the lodge moved in 1922, the vacant
building fell into disrepair. Bought in 1974 by the Episcopal
Diocese of Dallas, it was restored as the Church of the Good
Shepherd.
GENERAL H.B. GRANBURY 1963 #2130
A Mississippian came to Texas early 1850's. Lawyer in Waco,
recruited Waco guards, confederate Army, 1861. Elected major 7th
Texas infantry. Beat back federals some miles, Fort Donelson, Tenn.,
Feb. 1862. Captured there, exchanged Aug. colonel in Vicksburg
campaign to prevent split of confederacy along Mississippi River.
Took 306 men into battle, lost 158. Chickamauga, Sept. 1863 severely
wounded. Had brigade command missionary ridge. Promoted brigadier
general 1864. Led Granbury's Texas Brigade into Tennessee with hood.
Was one of 6 confederate generals killed at Franklin, Tenn. buried
in Granbury Cemetery. (Back of Gen. H.B. Granbury) Formed in Autumn
1863 from remnant of Deshler's Brigade. Texas units included 6th,
7th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th infantry, with 3rd,
5th confederate regiments of Memphis. Nov. 1863 battles of Lookout
Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Granbury's men repulsed Sherman's
attacks repeatedly C.S.A. Congress thanked unit for valor at
Ringgold Gap at Kensaw Mountain this and fellow Brigade counted 700
enemy casualties at their front after one charge. In Bayonet Combat,
yells in the dark from Granbury's men were sufficient to rout
federals. Before troops of equal number in open field the unit was
unconquerable. Fought entrenched Army, Franklin, Tenn. Battle. Flags
flying, drums rolling, but with no cover Granbury's men ran Forth on
the double. Courage inspired by the leader named it forever:
Granbury's Brigade.
GENERAL JOHN BELL HOOD 1963 #2133
Born Kentucky, west point graduate Army service on Texas frontier
led hood to adopt the Lone Star State. Resigned U.S. Army 1861 to
serve south. Commanded 4th Texas Infantry. Led "Hood's Texas," most
renowned confederate brigade. Rose rapidly to lieutenant general.
Known as "The Fighting General" for leadership in the army of
Northern Virginia. Although lost leg battle Chickamauga, became
commander army of Tennessee. A memorial to Texans who served the
confederacy erected by the state of Texas 1963.
GLENN BROTHERS BUILDING 1974 #2190 109 Bridge St.
Erected in 1885 by town builder James Farr, an attorney; bought in
1888 by the Glenn Brothers--Clark B., Dan, John L., and James M.
Civic leaders interested in many businesses besides their family
grocery housed in this structure. After a fire in this store and the
three to the west, contractors Elliott and Halsley made extensive
repairs (1891), using heavy timbers clad in iron to support brick
veneer front of upper story, with its handsome Victorian styling.
GORDON HOME 1983 #2229 307 E. Pearl St. (picture)
Alonzo Peyton Gordon came to Granbury from Georgia in 1871. He
taught school for a time before opening a mercantile store that grew
into one of the largest in Hood County. His business was housed in a
large stone building that he constructed on the Granbury Square. A
cotton gin operator, Gordon also served as superintendent of the
local school and in 1898 was elected to the Texas Legislature.
Gordon built his home here in 1882. Reduced in the Gordon Family
until 1982.
GRANBURY HOUSE 1979 #2242 104 E. Pearl St.
Martha Washington (Garrison) Stringfellow (1834-1914), a widow with
three children, migrated to Hood County about 1871. To support her
family, she operated a boarding house, known as "The Granbury
House", at this location. In 1874 she married local builder Joseph
W. Anderson (d. 1901), who probably erected this structure. Anderson
was a stonemason and partner in a Lumber Mill. He constructed many
of Granbury's homes, churches, and Victorian commercial buildings.
Among the later tenants of this structure were hotels, saloons,
cafes, and clothing stores.
GRANBURY LIGHT PLANT 1994 #2243 Ewell and N. Brazos St. (picture)
Before 1923, privately owned light companies supplied electricity to
the citizens of Granbury. In that year, the residents voted to build
and own their own power plant. The city purchased the Granbury
water, ice, light and power company and built this structure to
house the new plant. Constructed by the municipal engineering
company, the industrial building still houses the diesel engines and
other machinery that generated electricity until the plant closed in
1954.
GRANBURY METHODIST CHURCH 1994 #2244 204 E. Pearl St.
The Rev. John R. Hill and seven charter members organized this
congregation as the Granbury Methodist Episcopal Church, south, in
1871. They conducted worship services in a local schoolhouse until
1883, when they completed their first sanctuary near this site.
Additional buildings were constructed over the years to meet the
needs of the growing congregation. The name was changed to First
United Methodist Church in 1968. Throughout its history, the
congregation has served the community with a variety of worship,
educational, and outreach programs.
GRANBURY OPERA HOUSE 1977 #2245 116 E. Pearl St.
Pressed tin detailing decorates this stone structure, erected in
1886. Kerr's opera house, which featured Vaudeville acts, dramatic
productions, and musical programs, occupied the top floor until
1911. The lower floor housed various businesses, including a saloon,
saddle and harness shop, and two grocery stores. Later the roof
collapsed, and the building rapidly deteriorated. It was restored
and reopened in 1975 by the Granbury Opera Association.
GRANBURY RAILROAD DEPOT 1984 #2246 109 E. Ewell St. (picture)
Representative of early 20th century rural Texas train stations,
this depot was constructed in 1914. It replaced an earlier station
that had been built when the railroad came to Granbury in 1887. The
depot features wide overhanging eaves and a red tile roof. Although
passenger service to Granbury had stopped by 1973, the depot stands
as a reminder of the important role of the railroad in the city's
history.
GRAVE OF ELIZABETH CROCKETT #6249 FW 167 Acton
(Upper) Wife of David Crockett Crockett (Flat over grave) Mrs.
Elizabeth Crockett, wife of David Crockett, born in Buncombe Co.,
NC, May 22, 1788, married to David Crockett in Lawrence Co., Tenn.,
1816; died in Johnson Co.--now Hood Co.--Jan. 31, 1860, age 82
years. (On right and left sides) 1788 1860 1911 (Rear) Crockett
HARDWARE AND TIN SHOP 1974 #2375 107 Bridge St.
A cabin-dotted Woodland in 1870, this square soon had buildings of
stone quarried less than a mile away. Investor John D. Baker built
this structure in 1882 and in 1890 sold it to saloonkeepers Aston
and Landers. Extensive repairs were made in 1891, after a fire in
this and neighbor buildings. By 1895, ex-county clerk J.R. Morris
had a hardware and tin shop here. Lon Morris, a widely-known lawyer
and college benefactor, had his offices on the second floor.
HARRIS BUILDING 1972 #2389 114-118 E. Pearl St.
Local stonemason I.W. Walley erected the rock walls of this masonry
commercial building in 1899. A cast iron storefront and decorative
brickwork enhance the plastered facade. The two story structure was
built for Wesley Smith Harris (1854-1930), who ran a furniture store
and funeral home here. The two businesses were associated because at
that time furniture manufacturers made casket parts. Ben Estes later
took over operation of both concerns.
HAYNES-BURNES-EWELL BUILDING 1976 #2412 106 E. Pearl St.
Early site of the Granbury post office, this native stone structure
was erected by James C. Haynes, postmaster from 1872 to 1874. He
sold the edifice in 1878 to Thomas A. Burns, who served as
postmaster until 1883. The property was then purchased by Thomas T.
Ewell, a newspaperman who published an early history of Hood County.
Offices, stores, and cafes occupied the building until 1975, when it
was restored by Dick and Sunny Allen for Hood County Title Company.
HOLDERNESS-AIKEN HOUSE 1975 #2508 321 W. Bridge St.
Contractor E.J. Holderness, credited with building numerous
Victorian structures in Granbury, erected this home for his own
family, in 1896. The front porch features intricate Eastlake style
decoration. Enlarged before 1910, the one story frame house was
occupied by Holderness until 1913. It was acquired in 1926 by Mary
Narcissa Rylee (Mrs. Ed) Aiken (1856-1931), member of a Pioneer Hood
County family. Her daughter, Mabel Aiken (Mrs. George) Bayer, has
preserved the residence.
HOOD COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1970 #2552 (picture)
Fifth courthouse on this site. Erected 1890-1891, this handsome
building is a Texas version of the french second empire style. First
courthouse (1867) was a 1-room log cabin housing county records,
lawyers and land agents' offices, and mail station. It was succeeded
by 3 stone structures. Contractors Moodie and Ellis and Architect
W.C. Dodson built this native stone edifice. The clock tower, added
after completion, was reinforced with steel in 1969.
HOOD COUNTY COURTHOUSE 1974 #244 (picture)
W. C. Dodson designed the Hood County Courthouse, which was built in
1890 to 1891. The three-story limestone structure, patterned after
the popular French Second Empire style, possesses a basic
composition that Dodson had previously used in the courthouse.
HOOD COUNTY JAIL 1970 #2553 208 N. Crockett St. (picture)
Second county jail. Celebrated in early local Ballad. Built to
succeed 1873 log jail at time when lawlessness was rampant. Main
building is late Victorian in style. Separate stone kitchen was
added upon completion. The tall front section was to have a gallows,
but no hanging have occurred here. Jail admits some 55 prisoners
yearly. "Uncle" Andy Walters, a local character, once locked sheriff
in this jail, but left key with judge on way home.
HOOD COUNTY NEWS 1974 #2554 1419 S. Morgan St.
Successor to "Granbury Vidette" Town's first newspaper, founded 1872
by Capt. W.L. Bond and later owned by an 1882 staff recruit, A. W.
Crockett (1857-1953), a grandson of the Alamo hero. J.D. Ballard in
1884 started the "Granbury News", later owned by highly regarded
Frank Gaston. State Senator A.B. Crawford and wife in 1937 bought
from Crockett the last paper he owned, merging it in 1946 with the
"Granbury News". In 1964 widowed Mrs. Crawford moved paper into this
1891 building and began to advocate historic preservation--A policy
continued by later owners after she retired in 1970.
J.D. AND GEORGIA BROWN HOUSE 1994 #2672 118 W. Bluff St.
This house was built in 1907 by the R.B. Spencer Lumber Company for
Jefferson Davis (J.D.) (1853-1908) and Georgia Brown (1857-1946). By
1881 J.D. was owner/operator of an impressive dry goods store on the
town square. He became a prominent banker and in the early 1900's
was mayor of Granbury. The classical revival style house features a
2-tier porch with Doric columns and Victorian style angled bays at
gable ends. The house remained in the Brown family until 1935.
J.F. AND J. NUTT BUILDING 1970 #2676 117 E. Bridge St.
Erected for Jesse and Jacob Nutt, blind brothers who aided in
establishing county seat at Granbury. Their first (1866) store had
been a 16 by 12 log house with a wagon yard in the rear. This
structure of hand-hewn Hood county stone was built in 1893 by local
contractor Jim Warren. About 1919 Nutt Hotel--famed for dining
room--moved in after "grocery" was remodeled. Building has been
occupied by 3 generations of the Nutt Family.
JOHN W. BULL STONE HOUSE 1970 #2818
FM 51 S 14.5 mi. FW 205 W, WS onto CR 2.7 mi.
One of earliest masonry homes in area; built in view of Indian
caucus site, Comanche Peak. John W. Bull (1818-98), born in
Tennessee, came to Texas in 1853; preempted land here, 1861; in Jan.
1865 participated in the famed Dove Creek Indian Battle. After land
grant was approved (1871), Bull hired crew under Mason Pat Gannon to
build this house of stone quarried from Nearby Hill. Chiseled in
chimney is the date "March 17, 1872".
LEES-BRYAN HOUSE 1985 #6260 #3075 121 W. Bluff St.
This Eastlake style house was built in 1890 for Granbury Merchant
J.C. Lees, a native of Canada. The home was sold to S.L. Bowden in
1895. Bowden's daughter Maude lived here after her marriage to Hardy
H. Bryan in 1903. The corner porch entry and corner tower with
fish-scale shingles and pyramidal roof are dominant features of the
Lees-Bryan house, which remained in the Bryan family for nearly 70
years. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985
MITCHELL BEND CEMETERY 1989 #3421
The Mitchell Bend of the Brazos River and this area of Hood County
are named for an early settler, Nelson Cooney Mitchell. He was
convicted of a murder arising out of a feud with the Truett Family
in 1874 and was hanged one year later. Mitchell is buried in this
cemetery, as are many other pioneer settlers and their descendants.
The earliest marked grave is that of one year old James Earnest, who
died in November 1872. According to local tradition, however, some
of the unmarked graves may date to before the civil war.
SITE OF HOME OF ELIZABETH CROCKETT #6257
377 E. 3 mi., FM 167 N 5 mi.
Wife of David Crockett, hero of the Alamo. She died here March
2,1860. Age 74.
SITE OF SCHULTZ BLACKSMITH SHOP 1984 #4884
201 E. Bridge St.
Carl Severin Schultz was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1876. After
marrying Nelsona Vestermann (b. 1871), he came to the United States
and settled professions, including ownership of a soft drink
factory. He later became the Village Blacksmith and operated his
shop on this site, which he had purchased in 1900. Known throughout
the town and the county for his fine craftsmanship, Schultz
represents the type of settler and business leader who lived in
Granbury at the turn of the century.
SMITH-SAVAGE HOUSE 1986 #4957 #6261
826 N Thorp Spring Rd.
Samuel Hancock Smith (1842-1906) had this residence built soon after
he became Hood County tax assessor in 1883. Most of the decorative
trim probably was added during an 1892 expansion of the home. From
1920 until 1956, this was the residence of the Savage Family.
William (1864-1933) and Emma (1878-1956) were Granbury merchants.
Prominent features of the Smith Savage house include its Eastlake
porch and Italianate style bay window.
THE FAIR 1974 #5331 115 Bridge St.
Erected 1888 by Andy Aston for a harness and saddle-making shop.
Ironwork was added during a 1906 remodeling, while George Landers
was part owner. After Harness shop was relocated about 1908, various
retail stores operated here, including the grocery of Joe Kerr and
several dry goods firms. Notable were "The Fair" and the store of
"Blue-Front Riley", a merchant nicknamed for the facade of his
earlier store, on the west side of the square.
THRASH-LANDERS-HINER HOUSE 1995 #5479 201 W. Pearl St.
North Carolina native Patrick H. Thrash (1832-1921) moved his family
to this area in 1872. Thrash, Granbury's first mayor, built a one
story frame home here about 1880. Downtown saloon owner George W.
Landers purchased the property in 1899, then sold it to district
attorney John J. Hiner in 1903. Hiner's brother, Hood county sheriff
Thomas H. Hiner, acquired the property in 1915. This queen Anne
style frame house was enlarged to its current appearance between
1905 and 1910.
THREE MILES TO GRAVE OF ELIZABETH CROCKETT
#6256 377 NE 2 mi, junc FM 167, Southside
Wife of David Crockett, hero of the Alamo; died March 2, 1860, age
74.