James Claude Wright House

Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

On September 20, 1898, Robert P. Lowe and his wife purchased the property at this site. The commonly held belief is that the house was built by Robert Lowe, who retired from Mobile and Ohio Railroad in 1894 and settled his family in Weatherford. He built the home sometime between 1897 and 1899 during construction of the building that would house his hardware business. Due to a fire that destroyed the Parker County Courthouse in 1874 early records of the home are non-existent. The earliest Sanborn map is for 1885 that depicts a home at the current location and the 1894 map depicts the same home which strongly suggests that a pre-existing structure was expanded or remodeled in the 1890s. The Wright House represents the Queen Anne style, but with minimal modifications. In 1905, the back porch was enclosed to create a bathroom, closets were added in the bedrooms and the kitchen was remodeled. The original transoms are still in place as is the stained-glass transom panel over the front door. After the death of Robert Lowe in 1920 and his wife Evalina in 1924, the house was eventually sold to Nannie Hauser in 1927. James Claude and Marie Wright purchased the home from Hauser in 1940. James Wright started a business selling street signs to small towns and established national trade days to help promote small businesses. The descendants of James Wright occupied the home until 1972. In 2009, the City of Weatherford purchased the home to prevent demolition and convert the space to city offices. This historic home's architecture and ties to the Lowe and Wright family enhance Weatherford's historic fabric. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2012

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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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.
Parker County, TX has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1850s, Texas became embroiled in conflicts with the Native American tribes, leading to the establishment of Fort Parker in what is now present-day Parker County. This fort served as protection for early settlers from Native American attacks.

In 1855, Parker County was officially established and named after Fort Parker. The county quickly grew as more settlers flocked to the region attracted by fertile land and an abundance of water sources. The advent of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further spurred growth and development in the county.

Parker County played a significant role in the cattle industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's open prairies became an ideal location for cattle ranching, and the development of railroads allowed ranchers to transport their livestock to markets more efficiently. This led to prosperity and economic growth in the county, with many cattle ranches operating successfully.

Over the years, Parker County has seen its fair share of challenges and triumphs. It has weathered economic downturns, faced natural disasters like the devastating tornado outbreak in 1957, and experienced growth in population and urbanization. Today, Parker County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a rich history, welcoming residents, and picturesque landscapes that highlight its enduring legacy as an important part of Texas' past and present.

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

  • 1855: Parker County officially established on December 12.
  • 1856: Fort Worth becomes the county seat.
  • 1872: Weatherford becomes the county seat.
  • 1877: Santa Fe Railroad arrives in Weatherford.
  • 1885: The first oil well is drilled in the county.
  • 1919: Parker County experiences the deadliest tornado in Texas history, resulting in 114 fatalities.
  • 1956: The first major shopping center, Town & Country Shopping Center, opens in Weatherford.
  • 1974: Weatherford College is established.
  • 1993: Lake Weatherford Dam fails, causing significant flooding in the area.
  • 2010: Parker County celebrates its 155th anniversary.