National Register Listing

Faison, Nathaniel W., House

822 South Jefferson, La Grange, TX
The house at 822 South Jefferson Street, La Grange, Fayette County, Texas, has long been celebrated for its ties to Nathaniel W. Faison, whose role defending the young Texas Republic gave him a mythos that has made the property an important local landmark, even though his brief ownership occurred late in his life. The building's significance has been tied predominantly to Faison's participation in the Dawson Expedition against Mexico, and little emphasis historically has been placed on subsequent owners. Recent research has uncovered more information on the later owners, including Louisiana Brown, a freedwoman who worked for Faison; and Faison's brother Peter, who lived in the house with his family and filled it with the fine furnishings that remain there today. The La Grange Garden Club purchased the property from the Faison estate in 1961, and the organization continues to maintain it as a historic house museum. The club's contributions to the documented history of the house and its preservation reflect the evolution of the historic preservation movement in the United States, as its initial focus on military deeds and significance has been expanded to include more interpretation of post-Civil War race relations and local domestic history into the early 20th century. The Faison House retains a high degree of integrity, with only minimal changes since the late 19th century, and the property remains an important local landmark.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

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.

architecture social history houses residential buildings
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
Fayette County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was first settled by indigenous Native American tribes, such as the Lipan Apache and Karankawa, who thrived off the bountiful natural resources of the region. European exploration and colonization began in the late 17th century when Spanish explorers arrived, followed by French adventurers and American frontiersmen.

The establishment of Anglo-American settlements in Fayette County started in the 1820s under Stephen F. Austin's colony. The town of La Grange, which would become the county seat, was founded in 1826 and named after the ancestral home of General Lafayette. Over the next few decades, more pioneers arrived, attracted by the fertile soil and opportunities for farming and ranching. German immigrants, in particular, played a significant role in the county's development, establishing thriving communities and introducing their agricultural practices.

During the mid-19th century, Fayette County became embroiled in the turmoil of the Texas Revolution and the Civil War. The Battle of Fayetteville, fought in 1836, marked a significant event in the struggle for Texas independence. Confederate soldiers from Fayette County fought in various battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the Battle of Sabine Pass.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced economic growth and cultural diversification. Railroads connected the county to larger markets, stimulating trade and commerce. The discovery of oil and gas reserves further bolstered the local economy. Today, Fayette County is known for its agricultural industry, with crops like cotton and corn, as well as cattle ranching. It also attracts tourists with its historical sites, including the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate important moments in the county's history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fayette County, Texas.

  • 1837 – Fayette County is established as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838 – The permanent county seat is established in La Grange.
  • 1861-1865 – Fayette County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1873 – The railroad reaches Fayette County, spurring economic growth.
  • 1901 – The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the discovery of the West Point Oil Field.
  • 1905 – The monumental Fayette County Courthouse is built.
  • 1950s-1970s – Fayette County experiences an agricultural boom due to the construction of the Fayette Power Project and Fayette Nuclear Plant.
  • 1998 – Fayette County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2011 – The historic town square in La Grange is added to the National Register of Historic Places.