Brenham in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Giddings Stone Mansion 1870
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
1. Giddings Stone Mansion 1870 Marker
This grand structure is one of the top ten examples of Greek Revival residential architecture in Texas.
This was the second home of Honorable J.D. Giddings, Brenham's most prominent forefather, and his wife, Ann. An architectural feat, the house has many unusual and innovative features. It is partially furnished with elegant family and period antiques. Originally 320 acres, the estate was a working farm with gardens, livestock, stables, cultivated fields, and cabins for field workers. An 1896 remodel brought the Doric columns, ornate galleries, and the rear wing for kitchen, laundry and servants. This was the first house in Washington County to have central heat and running water installed. Mary Louise, the only Giddings daughter, married Heber Stone, an attorney and son of a Galveston mayor. They and their descendants lived here until the 1970s, thus the name "Giddings Stone Mansion". In 1976 the property was donated to the Heritage Society of Washington County and fundraising began immediately. Renovations were completed in 1993 with a cost of over $2 million to return the house to its original grandeur.
Erected by Heritage Society of Washington County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
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Location. 30° 8.967′ N, 96° 23.514′ W. Marker is in Brenham, Texas, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Century Circle and Heritage Drive, on the left when traveling west on Century Circle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2203 Century Circle, Brenham TX 77833, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Giddings-Stone House (here, next to this marker); City of Brenham (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); William H. Watson (approx. 0.4 miles away); Milroy's Garden and Orchard (approx. 0.4 miles away); 100th Anniversary Brenham "Banner-Press" (approx. half a mile away); Germania Mutual Aid Association (approx. 0.6 miles away); Evangelical Lutheran Colleges of Texas (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brenham.
Also see . . . Jabez Demming Giddings (1814–1878). His elder brother, Giles, died of wounds received at the battle of San Jacinto, and Giddings traveled to Texas to claim Giles's land bounty in 1838. He taught school from 1838 to 1842 at Mount Vernon, where he became postmaster in 1842. He was elected Washington County district court clerk in 1840 and
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
2. Giddings Stone Mansion 1870 Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, January 16, 2021
3. Giddings Stone Mansion
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
