The Texas Historical Commission shared in a press release, “They will celebrate the reopening of Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site at noon Nov. 15th after an extensive restoration project that began in October 2023.
The day’s events include a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12 to 1 p.m. and stagecoach rides around the site from 12 to 4 p.m.
“The Texas Historical Commission is happy to reopen the Fanthorp Inn for visitors to experience ‘the finest inn in the South,’ as it was called by visitors in the 19th century,” said THC Chairman John L. Nau, III. “Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature provide significant support for the preservation of Lone Star State history that creates real economic and quality-of-life benefits to communities across Texas, like Anderson.”
Managed by Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site restoration project focused on exterior features, including siding, windows, the roof, and paint. Crews also worked diligently on some interior renovations, including painting and outfitting the rooms with more period furnishings.
The Fanthorp Inn began as a two-room cedar log dogtrot cabin in 1834, when Texas was still part of Mexico. By 1850, it had grown to a 17-room complex.
English immigrant Henry Fanthorp petitioned Stephen F. Austin for permission to settle in Austin’s colony upon his arrival in Texas in 1832. He bought 1,100 acres and built his house in 1834 on the road that crossed his land, thus bringing travelers to his door immediately.
Henry Fanthorp was appointed postmaster by the provisional Texas government in 1835 and saw the advantage of offering other services and goods to his frequent visitors.”
Fanthorp Inn offers a variety of tours and programs for the public. For more information of the offered tours, go to https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fanthorp-inn
Photo from Texas Historical Commission Press Release
Photo from Texas Historical Commission Press Release