National Register Listing

Freeman Farm

a.k.a. Kickapoo Farm; Freeman Plantation

Co. Rd. 323, 3 mil3s SE. of Frankston, Frankston, TX

The Freeman Farm is a rural property located in Anderson County that is developed through early Anglo settlement efforts and is dominated by a c. 1854 Greek Revival farmhouse. It is based on the idea that early rural English settlements were based on farmsteads, and that this type of structure provides a foundation for continued agricultural production. It has supported listing in the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Agriculture, at the local level of significance.

Established as a cotton and com plantation, the Freeman Farm is a good example of a traditional rural property developed during the 19th century through early Anglo settlement efforts in Anderson County. William F. Freeman, a successful farmer and local postmaster, developed the farm through the 1880s. The farm is dominated by a c. 1854 Greek Revival farmhouse and a collection of outbuildings that typify the vernacular building traditions of this period. Subsequent changes to the main house and property reflect the transformation of the region's agricultural landscape. With the help of several generations of descendants, the farm has continued as an agricultural operation and represents the immigration and settlement patterns of rural Anderson County. The Freeman Farm supports listing in the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Agriculture, at the local level of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
Texas random facts
Anderson County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.

The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.

Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Anderson County, Texas.

  • 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
  • Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
  • Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
  • 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
  • Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
  • 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.