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

Westel or I-House

Allen Heritage Village

Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026

1. Westel or I-House Marker

Inscription.
This is the oldest known structure still standing in Allen today. An archaeological dig on the original property site concluded the building dates from about 1869. The “I-house” indicates the original building was an “I” shape—it consisted of the 2 front rooms, with a central chimney and fireplace and 2 rooms above them. Lower addition at the rear was typical of the period and usually featured 1 or 2 rooms deep and a wide porch along one side. This home belonged on the Wetzel property (at Hwy 5 and Exchange) and was probably the site of Lewis Wetsel’s headright house, who was known to be a furniture and cabinet maker. The stairway banister is very unusual and indicates familiarity with cabinetmakers books of the time. The front of the house features a wide front porch, 2 entrance doorways and 2 windows. The upper floor has 2 windows. This house was next to the stage line from Dallas to Sherman, and is associated with a 300-peach tree orchard. Pottery and artifacts from the archeological dig indicate some affluence.

Erected by City of Allen, Collin County Historical Commission and Allen Heritage Guild.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 33° 6.332′ N, 96° 39.936′ W. Marker is in Allen, Texas, in Collin County. It is on Saint Mary Drive near N Cedar Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 326 St Mary Dr, Allen TX 75002, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

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: Chicken Coop (a few steps from this marker); Outhouse (a few steps from this marker); Kitchen Garden (a few steps from this marker); Lynge House (within shouting distance of this marker); Allen Christian Church (within shouting distance of this marker);

Westel or I-House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026

2. Westel or I-House and Marker

a different marker also named Allen Christian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Allen Colored School (within shouting distance of this marker); Greater Moore’s Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Allen.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.