Link House
a.k.a. Link-Bunton House
925 N. Link St., Palestine, TXThe Dr. Edwin W. Link House is a beautiful and well-preserved example of the Queen Anne style residences popular with wealthy Texans during the final decade of the nineteenth century. Built on a grand scale of the finest available materials, the turreted mansion exemplifies the architectural exuberance of the late Victorian era with asymmetrical plan and massing of formal elements and the unrestrained use of eclectic detail. The extensive art glass windows, oak and cherry doors mantles and trim are particularly noteworthy; the intricate parquet floors are among the finest remaining examples of their kind in the state. Designed and constructed by a prolific regional carpenter-builder, the original plans are extant and the house remains a well preserved showpiece of the elaborate framing and finish work of a generation of highly skilled and capable craftsmen.
The house was built for Dr. Edwin W. Link, the son of the pioneer East Texas physician Dr. H. H. Link on the family's pioneer homestead which has been continuously occupied since the early 1850's and contains several generations of the families residences. Edwin Link practiced medicine with his father and brother in Palestine and was a well
regarded civic and social leader in the community. The Link family contributed other architectural fabric still standing in Palestine; in addition to their homes they commissioned several commercial buildings including a clinic and pharmacy. The Link house and grounds are a dominant element in a turn of the century neighborhood with many other well preserved examples of nineteenth century architecture.
The lavish use of materials and the ambitious scale of the house demonstrate success and standing of Dr. Edwin Link in Palestine where only a generation earlier his father had treated the regions pioneer settlers under the most primitive conditions. The house has been occupied since 1963 by the Carl Bunton family who have endeavored to preserve the continuity of the house as one of the finer examples of the Queen Anne style in the state.
Local significance of the building:
The house was built for Dr. Edwin W. Link, the son of the pioneer East Texas physician Dr. H. H. Link on the family's pioneer homestead which has been continuously occupied since the early 1850's and contains several generations of the families residences. Edwin Link practiced medicine with his father and brother in Palestine and was a well
regarded civic and social leader in the community. The Link family contributed other architectural fabric still standing in Palestine; in addition to their homes they commissioned several commercial buildings including a clinic and pharmacy. The Link house and grounds are a dominant element in a turn of the century neighborhood with many other well preserved examples of nineteenth century architecture.
The lavish use of materials and the ambitious scale of the house demonstrate success and standing of Dr. Edwin Link in Palestine where only a generation earlier his father had treated the regions pioneer settlers under the most primitive conditions. The house has been occupied since 1963 by the Carl Bunton family who have endeavored to preserve the continuity of the house as one of the finer examples of the Queen Anne style in the state.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
About Anderson County
Anderson County Timeline
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.
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.
Anderson County Timeline
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.