Seward Plantation

Seward Plantation
Location 10005 Farm to Market Road 390 East, Independence, Texas
Coordinates 30°19′46″N 96°19′56″W / 30.32944°N 96.33222°WCoordinates: 30°19′46″N 96°19′56″W / 30.32944°N 96.33222°W
Built 1855
NRHP Reference # 12001250[1]
Added to NRHP January 29, 2013

The Seward Plantation is a historic Southern plantation in Independence, Texas.

Location

The plantation is located one mile (1.6 km) east of Independence near Brenham in Washington County, Texas.[2][3][4] It is off Farm to Market Road 390, also known as La Bahía Road (later Old Washington Road).[3]

History

In 1832–33, Samuel Seward (1794–1870) moved from Illinois to Texas with Stephen F. Austin.[2][4] He soon purchased 1,700 acres (690 ha) of land.[2][4] Shortly after, he purchased 300 acres (120 ha) more.[2]

In the 1850s, the land was passed on to his son, John Hoblett Seward (1822–92), now married to Laura Jane Roberts (1838–1920).[2] The main house on the plantation was built in 1855.[2][3] It was enlarged and became the largest house in Washington County.[2] The property also included log cabins for slaves and barns.[4]

It was used as a cotton plantation prior to the American Civil War of 1861-65.[3] After the war, it became a cattle ranch.[3]

The house survived the storm of 1900.[2] It still belongs to the Seward family.[3]

The house is open for tours by reservation for groups of 10 or more.[2]

Heritage significance

It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since January 29, 2013.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 "Seward Plantation". City of Independence, Texas. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Recent Listing: Seward Plantation". Texas Historical Commission. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "Seward Plantation". City of Brenham, Texas. Retrieved October 10, 2014.