Big Sandy in Upshur County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Ashley Phelps Home

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 19, 2026

1. The Ashley Phelps Home Marker

Inscription. Big Sandy merchant J. B. Rowe and his wife Helen (Bray) built this home about 1905. In 1909 they sold it to Ashley W. and Ruth (Prothro) Phelps, who owned a local dry goods store. For many years after Ashley's death in 1922 Ruth operated it as a boardinghouse for area school teachers. She lived here until her death in 1961. A center of social activity during the Phelps' ownership, the house features influences of the Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark

Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11335.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 32° 35.077′ N, 95° 6.522′ W. Marker is in Big Sandy, Texas, in Upshur County. It is at the intersection of North Tyler Street (State Road 155) and W Groves Street, on the left when traveling north on North Tyler Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 N Tyler St, Big Sandy TX 75755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically

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in the Deep 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Upshur County (approx. 2.1 miles away); Henry "Ragtime Texas" Thomas (approx. 2.6 miles away); Jarvis Christian College (approx. 4.2 miles away); New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Kay House (approx. 6.3 miles away); First Baptist Church of Winona (approx. 7.3 miles away); Pritchett Normal Institute (approx. 7.6 miles away); Pinkston Cemetery (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Sandy.

The Ashley Phelps Home and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 19, 2026

2. The Ashley Phelps Home and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.