Brenham in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Giddings Wilkin House Museum 1843
Photographed By James Hulse, January 19, 2021
1. Giddings Wilkin House Museum 1843 Marker
This is the oldest standing structure in Brenham. It was the second house built in Hickory Grove, as Brenham was called in those days.
This was the first home built by Honorable J.D. Giddings, Brenham's most prominent forefather. It was a wedding gift for his wife, Ann. The walls were made of wood from cypress, cedar and hickory trees that were cut and planed into lumber by hand. The outbuildings included a kitchen, smokehouse, outhouses and slave quarters. In the side yard is the original cistern that provided water for the house. A zinc-lined reservoir roof collected rain water that was delivered to the cistern through a drainpipe. This is the first known cistern in Brenham, leading to many others. When the Giddings moved to their new home south of Brenham in 1870, this house was bought by the John B. Wilkin family. They remodeled and added several of the Victorian features. By 1971 the house was vacant and scheduled for demolition. It was bought by the newly-formed Heritage Society of Washington County and has been restored to depict Texas life in the 1860's.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 30° 10.421′ N, 96° 23.517′ W. Marker is in Brenham, Texas, in Washington County. Marker is on Crockett Street, 0.1 miles east of Gay Hill Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located near the front door of the house on the right side. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 Crockett Street, 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-Wilkin House (here, next to this marker); Site of Masonic Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Brenham Fire Department (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brenham Normal and Industrial College (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Christian Church of Brenham (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ross-Carroll House (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brenham.
Also see . . . Jabez Demming Giddings (1814–1878). Before the Civil War he was a slaveholder and one of the state's wealthiest men. In 1870 he had recovered his fortune. He was the only Texan who had a net worth of at least $100,000 in 1860
Photographed By James Hulse, January 19, 2021
2. The Giddings Wilkin House Museum 1843 Marker is located on the right side of the walkway.
Photographed By James Hulse, January 19, 2021
3. The Giddings Wilkin House Museum 1843 Marker is located just to the left of the tree.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 444 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
