Starr House
a.k.a. Maplecroft
407 W. Travis St., Marshall, TXThe James F. Starr House, also known as "Maplecroft", at 407 W. Travis St. is an excellent example of a late Greek Revival-style residence in Marshall, Texas. Built by shipwrights imported from New Orleans, the house is located on land given to J. F. Starr by his father Dr. James Harper Starr, who was prominent in Republic of Texas politics. The house takes its common name from the stand of maple trees planted on the property by Dr. Starr. The Starr house is one of the most significant homes in Harrison County.
James Franklin Starr was the son of Dr. James Harper Starr and Harriet J. Starr. He was born in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1844. Following the Civil War, James Starr completed his education at the University of Virginia and married Clara Thomas Fry in 1868. He joined Dr. Starr in the land business in Nacogdoches. Not only did they buy and sell land themselves, but they advertised Texas to prospective settlers from all parts of the U. S. The business continued in Nacogdoches until early 1870 when they both decided that Marshall, Texas, would be a more desirable location as both rail and telegraph services were located there. James H. and James F. Starr jointly established Marshall's first bank in 1872. This father-son association continued until 1873 when James H. Starr retired.
Dr. James Harper Starr's career was long and distinguished. He was a physician, businessman, and early supporter of higher education in Texas. He served as a Land Commissioner for the Nacogdoches District and did a remarkable job. He also served as Treasurer of the Republic. He died in the James F. Starr House in 1895. James F. and Clara Starr occupied the house together from the time it was built until his death in 1902. Mrs. Starr continued to occupy the house until her death in 1925. Their daughter Ruth Starr Blake lived in the house from 1925 until her death in 1969. Clara Pope Willoughby and Ray W. Willoughby have been the owners since 1969. However, in 1976 Maplecroft was deeded to the State of Texas for the benefits and use of the Parks and Wildlife Department by Clara Pope Willoughby, joined pro forma by her husband, Ray W. Willoughby, with a life estate for her and her husband.
The house itself is in excellent condition and has always been well cared for. Alterations have not been extensive and have been confined to wallpapering, general refurbishing and modern plumbing facilities.
Local significance of the building:
James Franklin Starr was the son of Dr. James Harper Starr and Harriet J. Starr. He was born in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1844. Following the Civil War, James Starr completed his education at the University of Virginia and married Clara Thomas Fry in 1868. He joined Dr. Starr in the land business in Nacogdoches. Not only did they buy and sell land themselves, but they advertised Texas to prospective settlers from all parts of the U. S. The business continued in Nacogdoches until early 1870 when they both decided that Marshall, Texas, would be a more desirable location as both rail and telegraph services were located there. James H. and James F. Starr jointly established Marshall's first bank in 1872. This father-son association continued until 1873 when James H. Starr retired.
Dr. James Harper Starr's career was long and distinguished. He was a physician, businessman, and early supporter of higher education in Texas. He served as a Land Commissioner for the Nacogdoches District and did a remarkable job. He also served as Treasurer of the Republic. He died in the James F. Starr House in 1895. James F. and Clara Starr occupied the house together from the time it was built until his death in 1902. Mrs. Starr continued to occupy the house until her death in 1925. Their daughter Ruth Starr Blake lived in the house from 1925 until her death in 1969. Clara Pope Willoughby and Ray W. Willoughby have been the owners since 1969. However, in 1976 Maplecroft was deeded to the State of Texas for the benefits and use of the Parks and Wildlife Department by Clara Pope Willoughby, joined pro forma by her husband, Ray W. Willoughby, with a life estate for her and her husband.
The house itself is in excellent condition and has always been well cared for. Alterations have not been extensive and have been confined to wallpapering, general refurbishing and modern plumbing facilities.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 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 Harrison County
Harrison County Timeline
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.
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.
Harrison County Timeline
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