Trinity in Trinity County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Gibson Hotel

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

1. Site of Gibson Hotel Marker

Inscription. The Gibson family was among the early settlers of Trinity County, with George Gibson settling in Sumpter in 1857 and later marrying Elzirah Ann White. They and their family moved to the new railroad and lumber center of Trinity Station in 1872. George and Elzirah's son, James Benjamin (Ben) Gibson Sr. (1863-1937), was a land agent for John Martin Thompson's lumber company, and later county surveyor and entrepreneur. In 1906, he married Jessie Barnes Clegg (1883-1948); the couple had four children. When a Feb. 1909 fire destroyed the Holland House Hotel, Ben purchased ten town lots at the site, facing the train depot. He commissioned a two-story, u-shaped, red brick hotel, completed later in 1909, with the main entrance facing Front Street (later Gibson and then Railroad Street).

The Gibson Hotel boasted 40 guest rooms, plus sample rooms where salesmen displayed their wares. A center courtyard included the kitchen. The lobby had a high ceiling and a grand double staircase. The grand dining room was a popular destination for business and train passengers. Most second-floor guest rooms had windows facing front or main streets,

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and those without windows were outfitted with ceiling fans and gas heaters as well as screen doors for ventilation, most rooms included a private bath, and communal baths were also available. The hotel leased first-floor space to other businesses including the Mansell and Cochran pharmacies, but ownership remained with the Gibson family. By 1970 maintenance on the building became a challenge and the building was sold to the First National Bank of Trinity. The hotel was demolished in 1980. For decades it was a commercial and social hub and a symbol of progress and prosperity.

Erected 2023 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23282.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1909.

Location. 30° 56.699′ N, 95° 22.45′ W. Marker is in Trinity, Texas, in Trinity County. It is at the intersection of South Railroad Street and East Main Street on South Railroad Street. The marker is located at the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 South Railroad Street, Trinity TX 75862, United

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

2. Site of Gibson Hotel Marker

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First United Methodist Church of Trinity (about 700 feet away); Charles Nesbitt "Charlie" Wilson (about 800 feet away); Old Red Schoolhouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waco, Beaumont, Trinity & Sabine Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); I.N. Parker House (approx. ¼ mile away); Ranald McDonald House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Black Veteran's Memorial Park (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trinity.

The view of the Site of Gibson Hotel and Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

3. The view of the Site of Gibson Hotel and Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 694 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.