Arnot House

306 W. Houston St, Marshall, TX
The Arnot house at 306 W. Houston St., built in 1848, presents an excellent example of early Greek Revival style architecture in Marshall, Texas. Located within the city's oldest residential area, just off the courthouse square, the structure is one of the oldest remaining houses in Marshall. Virtually contiguous to the main downtown commercial area of Marshall, the house has almost continuously housed tradesmen or professionals who operate their business enterprises on the premises.

Architecturally, the house is a classic Creole, or Louisiana-raided cottage, rendered in the Greek Revival style. The basement or ground floor is completely above ground with the main floor at the second level.

Lucinda and Albert M. Arnot were early settlers of the community, arriving in Marshall in 1845 from Mississippi. He was one of the town's early blacksmiths and was apparently prosperous. Besides Arnot, who located his blacksmith shop on the property, subsequent owners and their respective trades included: Francis Lang, a German cabinet maker (owner from 1857 to 1871); A. and Doris Bernstein, a prominent merchant (owner from 1871 to 1908); B. A. and Maggie Cargile he was a farmer and for a short time, the sheriff (owner from 1908 to 1919); Joseph Black, Sr. and Lucille McCarty Black he was an Irish cobbler (owner from 1919 to 1960); Joseph Black, Jr., a veterinarian (owner 1960 to 1977).

The house is currently owned by Allen and Ann Staggers who have restored the exterior and interior appearance. Today the house is in excellent condition. Presently accommodating professional offices, the house continues its tradition of being involved in the commercial enterprise of Marshall.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.
Harrison County, located in northeastern Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. In 1839, the Republic of Texas incorporated Harrison County, naming it after Jonas Harrison, a lawyer and Texas revolutionary. The county quickly became an important center for commerce and government.

During the mid-19th century, Harrison County played a significant role in the development of Texas. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in 1930 brought prosperity and growth to the county. This led to the establishment of several oil companies, driving economic development and creating job opportunities for local residents.

Harrison County was also deeply impacted by slavery and the Civil War. Prior to the war, the county was home to numerous large plantations that relied on enslaved labor for agricultural production. The war left a lasting impact on the county, which continued to struggle with racial tensions and inequality in the years following the war.

Today, Harrison County remains an important part of Texas history and boasts a diverse and vibrant community. The county is home to a number of historic sites, including the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot and the W.C. Dewberry Home and Museum, which showcase the area's rich cultural heritage. With its blend of history and modern progress, Harrison County continues to be a significant contributor to the growth and development of Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harrison County, Texas.

  • 1839 - Harrison County established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1840 - Marshall becomes the county seat of Harrison County
  • 1861-1865 - Harrison County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War
  • 1873 - Great Fire of Marshall destroys much of the city
  • 1881 - First telephone exchange established in Marshall
  • 1902 - Texas and Pacific Railway brings economic growth to the county
  • 1930s - Oil discovery leads to an economic boom in Harrison County
  • 1979 - East Texas Oil Museum opens in Kilgore, showcasing the region's oil industry
  • 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes significant damage to the county
  • 2020 - Present day