National Register Listing

Steele House

a.k.a. Steele-van Wagner House

217 Brewer St., Navasota, TX
The A. G. Steele House is a well-preserved example of Eastlake-inspired late Victorian architecture built by a prominent Grimes County cotton farmer, A. G. Steele, in Navasota in 1896, and occupied continuously by his family until 1972. The house was designed and built by J. E. Watkins just across the street from the equally grand home of the brother A. G. Steele farmed with, Steele Steele. Joesvall to 10 e Grimes County was primarily a cotton farming area in the 1890s. Navasota, the largest town in the county, was the location of the H. Schumacher Oil Works. This was thought to be a factor in Mr. Steele's decision to build his home there.

A. G. Steele (born 1853-died August 30, 1900) and his brother were cotton farmers at Allen Farm, located on the Navasota River bottomland north of town. They used prison labor to work the fields. During the violent flood of 1900, A. G. Steele went to the farm to rescue his prison workers. Shortly thereafter he caught pneumonia and died.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Steele was left with five children to support: Eleanor, age 16; Kate, age 14; Isabel, age 12; Sam, age 8; and Ruth, age 5. She took in roomers and boarders to support her family, and was said to "set a beautiful table". Three of her daughters were married in the house.

Mrs. Steele lived in the house until her death in 1944. Her daughter, Kate, Kate's husband, Kenneth Bowen, Sam Steele, and his wife, Lillian Watkins, all lived in the house together and helped care for Mrs. Steele. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Steele occupied two of the rooms upstairs until his death in 1938. Kate and Kenneth Bowen remained in the house after Mrs. Steele's death. Kenneth Bowen died in 1955. After his death, Kate Steele Bowen and her housekeeper, Mrs. Mary Lee Wilson, occupied the house until Mrs. Bowen's death in 1970 at the age of 81. The house and property were willed to Kenneth Bowen, Jr. He sold it in November 1972, to Syd and Margaret van Wagner. Mr. and Mrs. van Wagner and their sons are living in the house while restoring it.
Local significance of the building:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

agriculture architecture houses residential buildings
Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible
Dan Rather in The View
Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Stephen F. Austin Colony in the early 1820s. It was named in honor of Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county was officially formed in 1846 when it was separated from Montgomery County.

In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.

The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.

Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.

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

  • 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
  • 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
  • 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
  • 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
  • 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
  • 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
  • Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.
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