National Register Listing

Nash, Thomas J. and Elizabeth, Farm

626 Ball St, Grapevine, TX
The Thomas J. and Elizabeth Nash Farm encompasses approximately 5.2 acres in the southwest sector of the City of Grapevine, Texas, at the comer of College and Ball Streets. The farm constitutes one of the last remaining agrarian sites between Fort Worth and Dallas, where there was once a pervasive landscape of farmsteads, but has now grown into a dense suburban area. Thomas J. and Elizabeth Nash first owned 110 acres in Northeast Tarrant County in 1859; the family continued to own and farm this acreage until the late 1920s. Today, the City of Grapevine with the Grapevine Heritage Foundation owns the Nash Farm that underwent a combined restoration and interpretation program between 2006 and 2008. The Thomas J. and Elizabeth Nash Farm is nominated at the local level of significance under Criterion A in the area of Agriculture as a rare surviving historic farmstead from the 19th century in North Texas and Criterion C in the area of Architecture as one of the last remaining I-plan vernacular forms in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Overall, the property and its features retain a high degree of integrity and is one of the few areas of Grapevine that reflects local agricultural history and provides a connection to the former agricultural economy of the region. The period of significance begins c.1867 with the construction of the house, and continues to 1927, the year that the Nash Family sold the property.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

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.

architecture agriculture
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
Texas random facts
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.