Presenter: Ted Hollingsworth

Commission Agenda Item No. 22
Action
Land Acquisition – Grimes County
Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site
November 2007

I. Executive Summary: Staff proposes acquisition by purchase of approximately 4.6 acres of open land adjacent to Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson, in Grimes County.

II. Discussion: Fanthorp Inn is a very important historic site representing the Republic and antebellum period of Texas' history. Initially constructed in the 1830's, the Inn was added onto in the 1840's and became a popular lodging spot for travelers in central east Texas. The visits of Sam Houston, General Zachry Taylor and other important figures are well documented.

The potential for interpretative and educational activities at the site is limited by its small size of 1.4 acres. It has been the recommendation of staff for thirty years that adjacent open land be added to the site should it become available. The owners of the property which abuts the site on the north and east are now willing to sell 4.6 acres to TPWD, as shown in the attachment.

III. Recommendation: The staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

"The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission authorizes the Executive Director to take all necessary steps to acquire 4.6 acres in Grimes County and an addition to the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site."

Attachments – 1

  1. Exhibit A – Site Map

Commission Agenda Item No. 22
Exhibit A

Site Map

Location of subject tract in relation to Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site

For help in interpreting this map, please contact Ted Hollingsworth.