Activities at Fanthorp Inn

The nearby Fanthorp Inn in Anderson, Texas, built in 1834 by English immigrant Henry Fanthorp as a home for his third wife, and later expanded in 1850 to serve as an inn and store, is a rich historical resource for the area.  The inn, operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has several activities throughout the remainder of this year that members of the Brazos Heritage Society may find interesting.

  

On September 28, 2013, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, discover the music that inspired celebration and recreation in 19th century Texas with the program “Make Music a Celebration,” presented by the Roseville Fair Old Time String Band.

On October 12, 2013, visit the inn from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for “Texian Days” and experience the origins of the Texas mystique.  What is the history and lore that gives Texans that special swagger and confidence?  How does being Texan somehow make us special and perhaps a bit more proud than most?  Poets, cowboys, and musicians will entertain as visitors’ tour the inn and have the unique opportunity to learn about travel and communications at one of Texas’ most authentically restored stagecoach inns.  Stepping onto the Fanthorp front porch is a passage into yesteryear as guides dressed in period clothes take visitors back to Texas in the 1850s.  It’s a special event the whole family will remember and enjoy.

On October 26, 2013, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, visit the inn for “Music for Henry’s Wake.”  The unfortunate death of Henry Fanthorp on October 31, 1867, proprietor of one of Texas’ most successful stagecoach inns, is a reminder of the fragile state of life in the 19th century.  This famous innkeeper and his wife were but a small portion of the souls who met their demise at Fanthorp’s inn.

On November 30, 2013, Fanthorp Inn celebrates the holiday season with a journey back to the 1850s in the evening from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  The old stagecoach inn will be open for a special “Twilight Firelight” holiday event.  Visitors will enjoy the ambiance of the candle lit inn, period music, stagecoach rides, chuck wagon cooking, carol singing and a host of living history characters.

Information about this historic inn may be found at the following links: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/fanthorp-inn and http://www.birthplaceoftexas.com/FanthorpInn.htm.

And for information about the planned events, visit the following link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/fanthorp-inn/park_events.

Feel free to call Tom Skaggs at (936) 878-2214 should additional information be desired.