Starr House
a.k.a. Maplecroft
407 W. Travis St., Marshall, TXThe James F. Starr House, also known as "Maplecroft", at 407 W. Travis St. is an excellent example of a late Greek Revival-style residence in Marshall, Texas. Built by shipwrights imported from New Orleans, the house is located on land given to J. F. Starr by his father Dr. James Harper Starr, who was prominent in Republic of Texas politics. The house takes its common name from the stand of maple trees planted on the property by Dr. Starr. The Starr house is one of the most significant homes in Harrison County.
James Franklin Starr was the son of Dr. James Harper Starr and Harriet J. Starr. He was born in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1844. Following the Civil War, James Starr completed his education at the University of Virginia and married Clara Thomas Fry in 1868. He joined Dr. Starr in the land business in Nacogdoches. Not only did they buy and sell land themselves, but they advertised Texas to prospective settlers from all parts of the U. S. The business continued in Nacogdoches until early 1870 when they both decided that Marshall, Texas, would be a more desirable location as both rail and telegraph services were located there. James H. and James F. Starr jointly established Marshall's first bank in 1872. This father-son association continued until 1873 when James H. Starr retired.
Dr. James Harper Starr's career was long and distinguished. He was a physician, businessman, and early supporter of higher education in Texas. He served as a Land Commissioner for the Nacogdoches District and did a remarkable job. He also served as Treasurer of the Republic. He died in the James F. Starr House in 1895. James F. and Clara Starr occupied the house together from the time it was built until his death in 1902. Mrs. Starr continued to occupy the house until her death in 1925. Their daughter Ruth Starr Blake lived in the house from 1925 until her death in 1969. Clara Pope Willoughby and Ray W. Willoughby have been the owners since 1969. However, in 1976 Maplecroft was deeded to the State of Texas for the benefits and use of the Parks and Wildlife Department by Clara Pope Willoughby, joined pro forma by her husband, Ray W. Willoughby, with a life estate for her and her husband.
The house itself is in excellent condition and has always been well cared for. Alterations have not been extensive and have been confined to wallpapering, general refurbishing and modern plumbing facilities.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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.