Growing up in the oldest town in Texas, I always admired the beautiful homes in Washington Square.
And I'll tell you WHY I could admire them. My junior high sat right in the middle of it!
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| Thomas J. Rusk Building |
*Fun fact: this building was my parent's high school, my junior high, and is now an elementary school. It's just the gift that keeps on giving!*
The Washington Square Historic District consists of 21 acres that were donated by early settlers toward the advancement of education in the area.
In fact, *cue monotone history teacher voice* sitting next to the Thomas J. Rusk building is a truly historic building called the Old University Building.
Do you know what's so cool about this old building? *pushes up nerd glasses*
Built in 1858, it is the only, and I repeat, ONLY remaining building of a university chartered by the Republic of Texas.
Did you catch that, or did you snooze off?
Let me break it down for you....
This here building was built back in the day by the Republic of Texas... not the STATE of Texas.
You know, before Texas became a state and was an independent nation? THEN.
Oo! Oo! And ALSO cool about this building... it was a Confederate hospital during the Civil War.
*taps ruler on desk*
I don't think you people are getting this! So here, read about it for yourself.
Or not. (Okay, that was really wordy.)
Anyway, the homes AROUND Washington Square was where I was going with this post. Let's get back on track, shall we?
Many of these beautiful homes were built in the late 1800's to early 1900's.
The ones I love the MOST around Washington Square are the ones on Mound Street.
THIS one is my all-time FAVE!
Look at that porch! And do you see the spiral staircase from the bottom porch to the top porch? LOVE!
*Texas history lesson alert!*
Originally the land known as Washington Square was the site of a number of ceremonial mounds built by the Caddo Indian cultures that flourished from 800-1700 A.D. in East Texas. Only one ceremonial mound remains today.
Hence the name "Mound" Street.
Okay, okay... back to the houses!
GORGEOUS!
I totally wanted a tour of them all.
Oh! And speaking of TOURS, did you know that some of these beautiful homes around Washington Square are actually B&B's?
Like this one....
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| The Hardeman House |
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| I just HAD to. She was on a big Southern porch with boots on! |
She was more than happy to stop her busy Thanksgiving cooking and show me around! (Talk about Texas hospitality!)
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| Notice how there's a back staircase! |
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| The landing was beautiful! |
It was a lovely home!
(You can learn more about staying at the Hardeman House B & B on their website.)
Between Washington Square and Historic downtown Nacogdoches are other gorgeous houses.
And gosh! There's lots of other beautiful homes all around Nacogdoches for that matter.
Some serve as private residences and others as businesses.
Here's another B&B one that I love.
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| The Jones House |
I ADORE the porch!
And although the inkeepers weren't home (yes, I knocked!) my daughter and I peeked in the windows to see the incredible (and I mean INCREDIBLE) staircase!
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| picture credit: qatariadventures |
This house was constructed in 1886 by Henry L. Austin, a local brick maker and first resident of the home.
And yes, I totally knocked on the door!
Get this! This beautiful New Orleans style house is the OLDEST brick house in Nacogdoches.
The house is full of beautiful antiques from the current owners.
Lovely things to look at everywhere!
(Sorry for the poor pictures... I only had my cell phone on me for this trip.)
You can learn more about The Brick House Inn on their website.
*bell rings*
Okay, class! Tomorrow I will show you even more beautiful things about my hometown. You are dismissed!
(Hey. Just be glad I'm not giving you homework.)
(Yet.)
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for the promotion of these beautiful B&B's. I simply wanted to brag on how lovely my hometown is.
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We totally almost bought a house like this in Indiana... It was beautifully maintained and restored and built in 1901 and had a beautiful front porch - My husband talked some sense into me thought when we started thinking about the cost of maintaining it with 4 energetic boys running around. Oh well, I can still drive by it and smile!
ReplyDeleteI love old homes and the one I loved the most was the Victorian one, The Jones House!!! Loved, loved it!! And that oval woodwork see through to the staircase was beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like seeing or visiting an old and historic house. Maybe its just I was grep up with my grand parents. :) Glad I came across to your post. Big thanks for sharing this with us.
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