Neese, William, Sr., Homestead
TX 237, Warrenton, TXIn August 1869, William Neese, Sr., a prominent German immigrant merchant and farmer, bought several town lots in the small rural community of Warrenton, Texas. During the later part of the year 1869 and early 1870, the Neese homestead was erected. While William Neese died before the completion of the residence, it is nonetheless apparent that he was the primary influence in the design and style of this remarkable German-Texas structure.
The homestead, in many ways, is an unusual and anachronistic building. While basically a late Greek Revival structure with a pedimented double gallery over the first and second-floor entrances, the broad, horizontal emphasis in the building's proportions coupled with the articulated design elements such as the water table, belt- course, quoins, and nine-over-six light windows give the building something of an eighteenth-century Georgian. appearance.
The house is also unusual in its plan and interior decoration. While the ground floor is arranged according to the traditional central hall plan with two, nearly square rooms on each side of the hall, the upper floor is divided into three spaces. On the second floor, what would normally be the central hall and two south chambers, have been combined to form a large ballroom measuring thirty-nine feet by thirty feet. Double doors at the north end of the ballroom open onto the east and west pedimented double galleries. The ballroom has an elaborate, polychrome painted ceiling utilizing floral elements for its design motif.
The interior decoration of the residence is of particular importance in that it illustrates a merging of American and Germanic folk arts in the painted and stenciled wall and ceiling decoration, the painted wood graining on interior doors and woodwork, and the marbleizing technique used on the ballroom doors. The Neese house, which possesses a wealth of original decorative art work, will be used as a museum of Texas furniture, and its ballroom will be utilized for cultural affairs sponsored by the Pioneer Arts Foundation.
Local significance of the building:
The homestead, in many ways, is an unusual and anachronistic building. While basically a late Greek Revival structure with a pedimented double gallery over the first and second-floor entrances, the broad, horizontal emphasis in the building's proportions coupled with the articulated design elements such as the water table, belt- course, quoins, and nine-over-six light windows give the building something of an eighteenth-century Georgian. appearance.
The house is also unusual in its plan and interior decoration. While the ground floor is arranged according to the traditional central hall plan with two, nearly square rooms on each side of the hall, the upper floor is divided into three spaces. On the second floor, what would normally be the central hall and two south chambers, have been combined to form a large ballroom measuring thirty-nine feet by thirty feet. Double doors at the north end of the ballroom open onto the east and west pedimented double galleries. The ballroom has an elaborate, polychrome painted ceiling utilizing floral elements for its design motif.
The interior decoration of the residence is of particular importance in that it illustrates a merging of American and Germanic folk arts in the painted and stenciled wall and ceiling decoration, the painted wood graining on interior doors and woodwork, and the marbleizing technique used on the ballroom doors. The Neese house, which possesses a wealth of original decorative art work, will be used as a museum of Texas furniture, and its ballroom will be utilized for cultural affairs sponsored by the Pioneer Arts Foundation.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About Fayette County
Fayette County Timeline
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.
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.
Fayette County Timeline
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.