Originally settled in 1822, the site of present day Navasota is rich in both history and historical assets. Historic resources in Navasota are important to the quality of life by giving it a sense of place, character, and individuality. This section includes the identification, evaluation, mapping, and potential protection of historic sites.
Historic Preservation Efforts in Navasota
Historical Character
Navasota is a city of unique character, oriented to the development of the railroad. In order to preserve Navasota’s character, the historic fabric in Downtown Navasota and the surrounding residential neighborhoods should be protected. The City contains two structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places and twenty-seven structures recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. Navasota’s character is not strictly derived from pristinely preserved structures, but rather a large and diverse collection of historic of resources.
Hannibal Boon Organization
In 1901, one of the first historic preservation efforts was the organization of the Hannibal Boon Chapter of the Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The primary mission of this society was to promote historic preservation within the City of Navasota. Their involvement included significant efforts in the establishment of the LaSalle Monument in 1930.
Navasota Bluebonnet
In 1954, Miss Maurine Chinski wrote the Navasota Bluebonnet. Following her
death, the Historical Committee of Navasota and the Grimes County Chamber of
Commerce published her work. This document is a historical account of the City’s
development from 1854 to 1954. The Navasota Bluebonnet was one of the first
researched documents about historical elements within the City. This document
is available for reference at the Navasota Public Library. Grimes County Historical
Commission & RAMPS In 1963, the Grimes County Historical Commission was established.
One of Commission’s initial actions was the placing of Civil War markers on
graves. Later a program called Researching, Appreciation, Marking, Preserving,
and Surveys (RAMPS) was undertaken by the Commission to better identify historic
structures. Within the first 12 years of the RAMPS program, 28 sites and structures
were identified. The Commission also purchased the P.A. Smith Hotel in 1974,
to save it from possible destruction. The hotel was then sold in 1982, after
being restored.
Historic Tours
In 1975, the Navasota Nostalgia Days Tours were initiated to showcase the numerous historic homes in Navasota. These self-guided tours gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about the historic homes in the area. A flyer was created to enhance the tours that provided a picture of each home, the homeowner’s name, and a map of the entire tour. This program was active until the middle of the 1980’s.
Main Street Program
In 1980, the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Navasota to become one of five Texas cities for participation in the National Main Street Program. This program was tailored specifically for downtown revitalization, economic development, and historic preservation. Initially the Navasota Main Street Manager was a part-time position. During July of 1981, the City was able to hire a full-time director to oversee the program. One of its accomplishments was an initiative made up of local financial institutions. The initiative produced $60,000 to create a loan pool that would provide low interest loans for façade improvement in downtown. In addition, the program was involved with the rehabilitation of a vacant building on the northeast corner of LaSalle Street and Washington Avenue. This program is no longer active in the City of Navasota.
Horlock Center
In 1981, the Grimes County Heritage Association was formed. During the same year, Roy M. Horlock donated his home to the Association. This home became the major museum in Navasota, as well as the home of the Grimes County Heritage Association. In 1999, it was donated to the City of Navasota. The museum is now available for tours by contacting the Navasota Library. The Horlock Center serves as a symbolic glimpse of life in turn of the century Navasota.
Adopted Regulation
In 1987, the City Zoning Ordinance was adopted. It includes a section dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks. As of this writing no landmarks have been designated through this ordinance. A greater emphasis should be placed on the implementation of this section of the ordinance.
The Texas Historic Commission
The Texas Historic Commission (THC) serves as the state agency responsible for historic preservation. Established in 1953, this commission is composed of eighteen citizen members appointed by the governor and has over one hundred employees statewide. In the past, the THC has worked with Navasota citizens in efforts to preserve twenty-seven sites that have historical, architectural, and cultural significance (Table 12.1).
National Register of Historic Places
Navasota has three sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These sites include two historic homes and the Historic Downtown District. This is the nation’s official list of culturally and historically significant places worthy of preserving.
Historic Survey and Documentation
The Texas Target Cities Team utilized the City of Navasota’s library, residents, and a windshield survey to identify historic and culturally significant buildings. Background information including photographs, narratives, and newspaper articles were collected from the library and residents. This information was used to initially identify buildings that were listed with the National Register of Historic Places and the Texas Historic Commission.
Windshield Survey
A windshield survey was conducted on Navasota’s historical resources by driving throughout the City and noting historic buildings and markers. The buildings included both residential and commercial properties that had not been previously identified.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
In preparation for the Historic Resources Plan an inventory was conducted and a Geographic Information System (GIS) database was created. Resources identified through documented lists and the windshield surveys were mapped in relation to existing land uses, transportation networks, and other various data sources within the city-wide GIS. For the purposes of this plan, these mapped features were linked to scanned data and photographs, allowing users to view the documents quickly.
Attributes such as age, condition, and architect were entered for each site. This data provides for quick mapping and analysis of historic resources. Examples of possible analysis include the impact on property values of adjacent historic structures, spatial location of resources, and an analysis of possible impacts on historic resources due to future development.
Possible future uses of this database could include an interactive map on the City’s website. Though not included in this project, such a service would allow citizens quick and relatively inexpensive access to a wide range of historic images, text, audio, and video about historic structures and sites in Navasota. This type of resource may also play a key role in encouraging redevelopment and new economic development within the City.
Historic Resources Survey
The survey includes residential homes, commercial buildings, and historic sites. The following structures are listed with the Texas Historical Commission and/or the National Register of Historic Places and can be found on Map 12.1 at the end of this section. Other structures that could be considered historic but are not listed are documented in Table 12.1. Marker text information was gathered from http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us.
Texas Historical Commission Listings:
1. Joseph Brooks Home: 612 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8566
Year Marker Erected: 1981
Marker Text: "A native of England, Joseph Brooks (1831-89) migrated to
Texas with his wife Mary Ann (Farrer) (1833-1900) in 1853. After serving in
the Civil War, Brooks moved to Navasota, where he survived an 1867 yellow fever
epidemic and became a leading area lumberman. In the 1870s he had this home
built for his family. Originally Victorian in design, it was modified with classical
revival detailing in 1909-11 by the Brooks' daughter Mary Elizabeth Brooks Salyer.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1981"
2. Evans House: 412 Manley Street
Marker Number: 8572
Year Marker Erected: 1991
Marker Text: “Newlyweds John Thomas and Maude Martin Evans built this
house in 1894 on land given to them by his mother. A ticket agent for the International
and Great Northern Railway Company, Evans also served the city of Navasota as
alderman and city treasurer. The typical 19th-century vernacular house features
a gable roof, and a three-bay porch with elaborate balustrade, turned wood posts,
spindlework frieze, and jig-sawn brackets. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
– 1991”
3. First Baptist Church of Navasota: 309 Church Street
Marker Number: 8574
Year Marker Erected: 1977
Marker Text: “In the spring of 1860, six men formed this church, one
of the first of any faith in the railroad town of Navasota. By fall there were
52 members, and growth continued. Services were held in the town's schoolhouse,
and then in a Methodist church, until the Baptists received a site as a gift
from the Houston & Texas Central Railway, and built a small frame sanctuary
about 1872. A permanent edifice of native stone was started after Mrs. A. E.
Baten, wife of the pastor, drew plans in 1889. Funds came from members and non-members,
sometimes as donations of cattle, and a 46' x 67' x 37' x 67' stone building
with a steeple was completed in 1890. By 1925 more room was needed; a 2-story
annex was constructed. Although a new, larger sanctuary was erected in 1955,
the 1890 building is still used. In 1969, it was converted into a fellowship
hall, and after a disastrous fire the next year was restored in 1971. The congregation--
now numbering more than 900 members-- founded and financed one local mission
that became self-supporting, and now underwrites another. During the church's
first 116 years, it has been served by 35 pastors.”
4. Old First National Bank of Navasota: 107 West Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8576
Year Marker Erected: 1981
Marker Text: “Local architect, contractor and stonemason James Davern
and his brother-in-law C. C. Camp built this commercial edifice in the 1880s.
Constructed of cement-covered stone rubble, it was remodeled with Renaissance
Revival detailing in the 1890s, during the ownership of the First National Bank
of Navasota. Occupied by the bank until 1952, it has also housed a hotel, offices,
a telephone company, and a variety of stores. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
– 1981”
5. First Presbyterian Church of Navasota: 302 Nolan Street
Marker Number: 8577
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Marker Text: “Organized in 1866, drawing members from old church at Washington,
Texas. First building, erected in 1876, was replaced in 1894 by this Victorian
edifice finely crafted in the taste of its English builders. Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark – 1970”
6. First United Methodist Church of Navasota: 616 Holland Street
Marker Number: 8575
Year Marker Erected: 1984
Marker Text: “The first worship services of the Methodist church in Navasota
were held in 1853 in the community schoolhouse. The Rev. T. W. Blake served
as part-time pastor for most of the antebellum and Civil War years. In 1866
the Houston & Texas Central Railroad deeded land at this site for use by
the Methodist congregation. In that year, a frame building with shuttered windows
was constructed for the fellowship. It was named Robert Alexander Chapel in
honor of an early Methodist circuit rider in Texas. The chapel was also used
by Navasota's Presbyterian congregation. In 1891 a rock building replaced the
frame structure and was used until 1912, when a brick sanctuary was built. The
current sanctuary was completed in 1959. Although the size of the congregation
is relatively small when compared with that of other churches in the area, the
First United Methodist Church of Navasota has served as host to the Texas Annual
Conference of Methodist Churches. Throughout its history, this congregation
has provided significant service and leadership to the community and has continued
to uphold the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders.”
7. Foster Home: 1015 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8578
Year Marker Erected: 1982
Marker Text: “Mattie Brigance Foster, daughter of Grimes County settler
Franklin Brigance, had this home built in 1900 shortly after the death of her
husband. Incorporating elements of the colonial revival and shingle styles,
the house is of cypress frame construction and features a multi-gabled roof.
Its design is indicative of the movement away from the elaborate detailing of
the Victorian era. The home remained in the Foster family for 60 years. Recorded
Texas Historic Landmark - 1982 Incise on base: Sponsored by Salih M. Yilmaz,
M.D., Ph.D.”
8. R.B.S. Foster Home: from the intersection of SH 6 and SH 90 take SH 90 approximately
1.5 miles.
Marker Number: 8579
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Text: “Early Texas plantation home in architectural style of the
Atlantic states. Malcolm Camp, wealthy cotton planter, built this structure
in 1859, with lumber hauled from East Texas sawmills. High-ceilinged rooms are
very large. Formal dining room in sandstone-lined cellar was unique. Had detached
kitchen. Purchased 1883 by a leading local citizen, R.B.S. Foster (1848-1889),
this was birthplace of his three children-- Georgia, Robert F. and Nettie Rose.
So stable is this locality that home was continuously occupied until 1966 by
Fosters or their agents.”
9. Site of Freeman Inn: 500 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8580
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Text:
“Built by Ira M. Freeman, 1856; way station and hotel for passengers on
several stage lines through city. Two-story pine building housed many travelers,
among them, Sam Houston. Important visitors, officers stayed here in Civil War.
Coaches and teams were kept in Freeman's barns.”
10. The Giesel House: 113 Railroad Street
Marker Number: 8581
Year Marker Erected: 1977
Marker Text: “Situated near the Houston & Texas Central Railroad
Depot, this three-story stone building was erected in 1860 by R. H. Giesel (1833-1872)
and his German-born wife Fannie (1828-1881) to house a restaurant and hotel.
A two-story frame porch originally extended across the front of the structure.
Giesel, a Confederate veteran, served as temporary mayor in 1867, when a yellow
fever epidemic struck Navasota. Fannie Giesel renamed her restaurant "The
Good Morning John" in 1871. She managed the business until her death in
1881. Later owners operated the hotel as "The Exchange" and "The
Hoyle".”
11. Rosanna Ward Grimes and Jesse Grimes
Marker Number: 8583
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: “Home of Rosanna Ward Britton Grimes (1803-1871) and Jesse
Grimes (1788-1866). Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution of the Republic of Texas; Member of the Congress of the Republic;
State Senator; in his honor Grimes County was named.”
12. Robert A. Horlock House: 1215 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8590
Year Marker Erected: 1984
Marker Text: “Alabama native Robert Augustus Horlock (1849-1926) came
to Navasota in 1871. Here he became a prominent businessman and civic leader.
He and his wife, Agnes (White), had this home built in the early 1890s. The
house, which remained in the Horlock family for nearly 100 years, exhibits influences
of the eastlake and stick styles of architecture. Prominent features include
the corner porch, the arched windows with small gabled hoods, and the decorative
woodwork. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1984”
13. La Bahia Trail: Intersection of LaSalle Street and Brule Drive
Marker Number: 8595
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Text: “Originally an Indian trail through Southern Texas and Louisiana;
known to Spanish explorers as early as 1690, when the De Leon Expedition passed
this site on the way from Mexico to East Texas. With 115 men, 721 horses, 82
loads of flour, and other supplies, Alonso de Leon, Governor of Coahuila, and
Father Massanet, a Franciscan priest, entered the wilds of Texas. The purpose
of the expedition was to discourage French encroachment from the north, as well
as to explore, colonize, and Christianize the Indians. They followed the rugged
trail from the present town of Refugio to Goliad and continued northeast to
Navasota, probably following Cedar Creek through this town. Then they journeyed
north until reaching the Neches River, where (near present Weches) they founded
the Mission of San Francisco de Los Tejas. The church was called after the Tejas,
or "Friendly" Indians, whose name was eventually given to the entire
state. Although de Leon's party went no farther on the western section of the
trail, known as Atascosito Road, the eastern section extended into Louisiana.
In nineteenth century, the route gained importance as a cattle trail, the Opelousas
Road, that moved Texas herds to market in the north and east.”
14. Leake Building: 211 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8597
Year Marker Erected: 1977
Marker Text: “Originally a one-story frame business house built in 1873
by Walter J. and Julia C. Peterson, this structure was enlarged in 1885. Native
sandstone walls and a second story were added. John Wesley Leake (1852-1940),
a builder, horse breeder, and race track owner, bought the property in 1886.
He and his descendants owned the building more than 80 years. The Victorian
commercial structure has housed many important firms. Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark – 1977”
15. Lee Tabernacle Methodist Church: 302 Teague Street
Marker Number: 8598
Year Marker Erected: unknown
Marker Text: “This Methodist congregation was founded in 1860, and worshipped
with the Baptist church in shared facilities in Navasota. A church building
was erected in 1866 in what was called "Freeman's Town." The Methodist
group was formally organized in 1876, and built a separate facility a few years
later. This church building was erected in 1896. During construction, services
were held in the basement until the sanctuary was finished. When the structure
was completed, the congregation changed its name to honor the pastor at that
time, The Rev. Edward Lee, becoming the Lee Tabernacle Methodist Church. Interior
modifications have occurred over the years, including the restoration of the
stained glass windows, the addition of a choir room, and general remodeling,
but the exterior remains essentially intact. A parsonage was added to accommodate
the pastor. This church structure is a fine example of a Gothic revival design,
featuring arched windows, a tower entry, stained glass windows, double wood
paneled doors, and a gabled roof. The Lee Tabernacle Methodist Church continues
to serve its dedicated members as it has for over 130 years in the Navasota
community.”
16. Mickelborough Building: 115 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8601
Year Marker Erected: 1980
Marker Text: “Eliza Johnson (d. 1876) had this building constructed in
1874 following a fire which destroyed several structures on the block. It was
made of limestone rubble to comply with a city ordinance requiring all new construction
to include fireproof materials. August Horst (d. 1920), a local investor, bought
the property in 1877 and sold it two years later to his wife's brothers, E.
P. and J. H. Mickelborough. Members of their families owned it until 1929. The
building has housed a saloon, grocery, confectionary, ice cream parlor, and
offices for attorneys and dentists.”
17. Home of Lt. Gov. George D. Neal: 504 Church Street
Marker Number: 8604
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “(Oct. 7, 1853 - July 13, 1916) Born in Amelia County, Va.
The Neal Family moved to Washington County, Texas, in 1866. Neal, after attending
Baylor University, was admitted to the Bar in 1876. He married Fannie C. Brooks
in Oct. 1880, moved to Navasota in 1881, and purchased this residence in 1883.
The couple had 3 children. Neal served as county judge, 1884-86; city attorney,
1888-96; and as a State Senator, 1896-1902. He was elected Lieutenant Governor
in 1902 and 1904, serving with Gov. S. W. T. Lanham. Neal retired from politics
in 1907 and returned here to practice law.”
18. Norwood House: 207 Ketchum Street
Marker Number: 8605
Year Marker Erected: 1984
Marker Text: “Built to serve as the first residence of Ewing and Mattie
(Brosig) Norwood, this house was completed in 1898, while Ewing Norwood was
president of the First National Bank of Navasota. Designed and built by local
architect Ernest Lord, the home exhibits Queen Anne influences in the entry
and porch detailing and features a depressed arch and a balustrade over the
entryway. The house remained in the Norwood family for more than sixty years.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1984”
19. Sangster House: 1113 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8613
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “Built in 1902 by Robert Andrew "Buck" Sangster
(1878-1957), with part of the proceeds from a winning lottery ticket. Constructed
in the Queen Anne revival style with classic revival elements on the exterior.
Curly red pine woodwork decorates the 12-room interior. Ernest Lord (1860-1941)
was the architect. The house was purchased in 1929 by Sangster's brother, W.
W. Sangster, and it remained in the Sangster family until 1965. Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark – 1974”
20. H. Schumacher Oil Works: 206 Duke Street
Marker Number: 8615
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “Henry Schumacher (1832-1901), a native of Germany, opened
one of the first cottonseed oil mills in this region in 1873, assembling the
machinery with only the aid of an old encyclopedia. The oil works produced cottonseed
oil, meal, and cake, and processed about 1500 tons of seed per year. Schumacher
was honored for his contributions to the cottonseed oil industry about 1883
with a dinner at the White House given by President Chester A. Arthur. The first
mill burned in 1910, but was soon rebuilt, complete with modern machinery. The
oil works ceased operation in 1954.”
21. Henry Schumacher Home: 306 Duke Street
Marker Number: 8614
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “Built by Henry Schumacher (1832-1901), a native of Germany
who came to Texas in 1849. In 1866, after serving with the Texas Infantry in
the Civil War, he settled in Navasota, was a charter member of the First Presbyterian
Church, and about 1868, married Emma Louise Horlock. They had eight children.
In 1873, Schumacher built this home and a cottonseed oil mill, for which he
was well-known. He was president of the First National Bank at his death.”
22. Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church: 414 East McAlpine Street
Marker Number: 8612
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “In 1864, Bishop Alexander Gregg organized an Episcopal
mission in Navasota that became a parish in 1866. Originally known as the Church
of the Holy Comforter, it was renamed in 1870, when the church building from
St. Paul's in Washington (7 mi. SW) was acquired and relocated to Navasota on
land donated by the Houston and Texas Central Railway. The congregation completed
a new church building in 1891. Throughout its history, St. Paul's has been actively
involved in the community with worship, education, and outreach programs.”
23. Steele House: 217 Brewer Street
Marker Number: 9408
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Marker Text: “In the late 1800s, two brothers named Steele had large
cotton operations near Navasota, at Allen Farm, and residences diagonally across
this corner from each other. A. G. Steele (1853-1900) and wife Etta had this
late Victorian home built in 1896 by contractor J. E. Watkins. Eastlake architectural
features embellish the porches and entrances. Descendants lived here until 1970.
the house now (1974) is owned and preserved by Syd and Margaret Van Wagner.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1974”
24. Templeman House: 1403 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8620
Year Marker Erected: 1987
Marker Text: “Built in the mid-1890s for newlyweds Ward B. and Annie
Foster Templeman, this home is reminiscent of Navasota's early cotton boom era.
Originally a Queen Anne design, the house was bricked and modified in the early
twentieth century to reflect elements of the Prairie School style of architecture.
Prominent features include its wraparound porch, multi-light windows and doors,
and copper-clad dome over a projecting corner turret. Incise on base: Spnsored
by Capt. and Mrs. W. T. Urquhart Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1987”
25. Terrell House: 412 East Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8621
Year Marker Erected: 1981
Marker Text: “In 1897 Elizabeth Owen had this two-story residence constructed
for her daughter Emmeline B. Terrell (b. 1849), the widow of local pharmacist
Joel W. Terrell, II, who had died the previous year. In 1899 the home was purchased
by John H. Mickleborough, a leading Navasota banker and businessman, and his
wife Georgia. An example of Queen Anne styling, the Terrell House features intricate
eastlake ornamentation on the gallery and gable ends. Recorded texas Historic
Landmark – 1981”
26. Lewis J. Wilson Building: 100 West Washington Avenue
Marker Number: 8625
Year Marker Erected: 1980
Marker Text: “A native of Connecticut, Lewis J. Wilson (1832-1895) moved
with his parents to Grimes County in 1851. His father Samuel opened a general
merchandise business in Anderson. Lewis managed the store until 1861 when he
left to serve in the Civil War. After the war he returned to Anderson and opened
a mercantile store in partnership with W. R. Howell and John Quincy Yarborough.
They completed construction of this brick building in 1871 for a second establishment.
Wilson was the sole proprietor by 1881 and continued to manage the business
until his death.”
27. Jesse Youens Home: 708 Holland Street
Marker Number: 8626
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Text: “Jesse Youens home built 1871 in style of Youens' home,
"Tower Cottage", Dartford, Kent, England, occupied by his family continuously.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967”
National Register:
28. Navasota Commercial Historic District: Roughly bounded by LaSalle Street,
Holland Street., 9th Street, and Brule Drive.
Date Listed: 1982
29. P.A. Smith Hotel: 111 Railroad Street
Date Listed: 1976
30. Steele House: 217 Brewer Street
Date Listed: 1978
Notes: This house is also listed with the Texas Historic Commission.
Sources:
http://www.thc.state.tx.us/
City of Navasota Library
http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us
