National Register Listing

Eddleman-McFarland House

a.k.a. McFarland Home

1110 Penn St., Fort Worth, TX
The Eddleman-McFarland home is one of the best examples of late Victorian architecture in Texas, and exhibits Jacobethan motifs. It is one of three remaining examples of the "cattle baron". It is one of three remaining examples of the "cattle baron" homes that once lined Summit Ave., Penn St. and Pennsylvania Ave. in an area known as Quality Hill. Fort Worth's cattlemen, bankers and professional people lived in this exclusive residential area during the boom period of the Fort Worth cattle industry in the first decades of the twentieth century. The Eddleman-McFarland home is the best preserved and least altered of the three remaining homes and has been occupied by only two different families since it was built. It was originally designed by Howard Messer for Frank M. Ball and his mother Sarah C. Ball. She was the widow of the wealthy Galveston banker George Ball who founded Ball, Hutchings & Co, in 1852 (now Hutchings & Sealy National Bank in Galveston). After Mrs. Ball's death i n 1904 - the home was purchased from her estate by William Harrison Eddleman (1850-1932) a Weatherford, Texas banker who moved to Fort Worth when he founded and assumed the presidency of Western National Bank, Eddleman and his wife Sarah (I856-1921) lived in the home with their daughter Carrie Eddleman McFarland (1877-1978) and her cattleman husband Frank Hays McFarland (1869-1948). Mrs. McFarland lived in and maintained the home until her death in 1978. The home has been purchased by the Junior League of Fort Worth which plans to operate the first floor as a museum and place League offices on the second floor.
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.

commerce architecture houses residential buildings
Texas does believe in a fair deal and clean politics
Molly Ivins in Fond Farewell
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.

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