Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site
Nestled amid the rolling hills of Grimes County in Anderson, Texas, about 20 miles northwest of Washington-on-the-Brazos, Fanthorp Inn stands as a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn.
The 18-room inn had humble beginnings in 1834 as the simple dogtrot home of English immigrant, Henry Fanthorp and his bride, Rachel Kennard. By 1835 Fanthorp had become postmaster for the area and over time, the Fanthorp home evolved into a well-known country inn. The original log structure acquired a clapboard exterior and an expansive addition in 1850. Aside from the large downstairs dining hall, upstairs sleeping accommodations for overnight travelers and long-term boarders were added. Notable guests included Sam Houston, Zachary Taylor and Kenneth Anderson.
Local legend has Generals Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Stonewall Jackson and Jefferson Davis as guests of the Inn. Fanthorp Inn functioned as a country hotel/tavern until shortly after Henry and Rachel died of yellow fever in 1867, at which time it was converted back into a family home for their daughter Mary and her family.
Purchased by Texas Parks and Wildlife in 1977, the Inn underwent extensive archeological, architectural, and historical investigations and was restored to her 1850’s glory. Once again, hospitality reigns supreme as Fanthorp Inn is opened to the public for guided tours, school programs, adult group tours and special events.
