Berry House
a.k.a. Stephenville Historical House Museum
525 E. Washington St., Stephenville, TXThe Berry House is one of the few examples of residential Gothic Revival architecture in Texas and the oldest house in Stephenville. Reminiscent of the houses popularized in Andrew Jackson Downing's Cottage Residences of 1842, the Berry House is a graceful interpretation of the style sometimes called "English Cottage". It was the home of the influential John Berry family from 1869 to 1900.
Berry, an adopted son of the state of Texas, was born in 1820 in Morgan County, Alabama. From 1836 until 1868 Berry traveled throughout the South working first as a salesman in New Orleans. Later pursuits included agriculture, merchandising, and eventually law. Mary Elizabeth Wilkes was married to John Berry in 1844, in Marion County, Mississippi. The Berrys moved to Texas following his service in the American Civil War. Following a short stay in Waco, the Berrys moved to Stephenville where Colonel Berry established a law office and a bank. Upon the death of Mrs. Berry, in 1900, J. D. Berry sold the home, offices, and all their possessions.
Subsequent owners of the Berry Cottage allowed falling into disrepair until it was purchased by the City of Stephenville with the aid of Mrs. Birdie H. Frey in 1965. The cottage was restored through public donations sponsored by the Stephenville Study Club and serves as a historical house museum today.
Local significance of the building:
Berry, an adopted son of the state of Texas, was born in 1820 in Morgan County, Alabama. From 1836 until 1868 Berry traveled throughout the South working first as a salesman in New Orleans. Later pursuits included agriculture, merchandising, and eventually law. Mary Elizabeth Wilkes was married to John Berry in 1844, in Marion County, Mississippi. The Berrys moved to Texas following his service in the American Civil War. Following a short stay in Waco, the Berrys moved to Stephenville where Colonel Berry established a law office and a bank. Upon the death of Mrs. Berry, in 1900, J. D. Berry sold the home, offices, and all their possessions.
Subsequent owners of the Berry Cottage allowed falling into disrepair until it was purchased by the City of Stephenville with the aid of Mrs. Birdie H. Frey in 1965. The cottage was restored through public donations sponsored by the Stephenville Study Club and serves as a historical house museum today.
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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The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
About Erath County
Erath County Timeline
Erath County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas, who roamed the region for centuries. However, the Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the area, with the famed Pedro Vial passing through in 1785.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Erath County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Erath County, Texas.
- 1854: Erath County is officially organized and named after George Bernard Erath, a Texas Ranger and surveyor.
- 1855: The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Tennessee and Missouri.
- 1860: The first post office is established in Stephenville, the county seat.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Erath County begins to recover from the conflict.
- 1870: The Texas Central Railroad is completed, bringing increased trade and development to the county.
- 1893: Tarleton State University is founded in Stephenville.
- 1926: Construction of US Highway 67 begins, providing improved transportation access for Erath County.
- 1940s: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an economic boom.
- 1990s: Erath County becomes a popular filming location for movies and television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger."