The Woodworth House
(Rose Hill)
In 1896 Arthur E. Stilwell, president of the Kansas City Southern Railroad, organized a townsite company to settle Port Arthur. Soon afterward, R.H. Woodworth (d. 1923) moved here from Chicago with his bride Mary (d. 1946). They erected their first home on Nashville Avenue. An independent real estate dealer, Woodworth later entered the banking business. He served as Port Arthur's third mayor in 1902.
He hired J.H. Baxter of the Griffing Lumber Company to construct this classical revival mansion in 1906. This property was then located on the edge of town. When it was completed, the residence reflected Woodworth's position as a business and social leader. Here the Woodworths raised their children, George and Phebe, and often entertained friends.
Mrs. Woodworth served as a director of the First
National Bank and was, active in the Department Club
of Port Arthur. In accordance with her wishes, her
daughter Phebe gave Rose Hill to the city in 1947 to
be cared for by the Department Club. The elegant
structure is maintained as a meeting place for
various community groups and as a center for social
and cultural events.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10582.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 53.382′ N, 93° 54.926′ W. Marker is in Port Arthur, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is at the intersection of Woodworth Boulevard and Lakeshore Drive, on the right when traveling east on Woodworth Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Woodworth Boulevard, Port Arthur TX 77640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sabine-Neches Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Woodworth House (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old Aurora (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Community Retirement Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sparks Settlement Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Trinity Lutheran Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Babe Didrikson Zaharias (approx. 0.6 miles away); John Warne Gates (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Arthur.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 24, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on May 30, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 3. submitted on May 31, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
