Britton-Evans House--South and West Texas; A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary

Britton-Evans House
Courtesy of McGloin + Sween

The Britton-Evans House, the oldest surviving residence in the coastal town of Corpus Christi, represents the town's earliest Anglo-American settlement period. It was constructed between 1849 and 1850 as the home of Forbes Britton, one of the first settlers of Corpus Christi and a significant political figure in Texas. Britton came to the small coastal settlement of Corpus Christi in 1846, when he participated in the invasion of Mexico with Brig. Gen. Zachary Taylor. After purchasing land in Corpus Christi in 1849, Britton began construction of his residence and became a partner in the shipping firm of Britton, Mann & Yates. In 1860, Texas Governor Sam Houston appointed Britton the Adjutant General of the Texas Militia. Britton died the following year. The handsome two-story Greek Revival structure with double-story gallery is a rare reminder of Corpus Christi's early settlement period. The construction material of the house, a brick consisting of oyster shells and sand, is unique to coastal regions.

The restored Britton-Evans House is now operated as a museum at 411 N. Broadway in Corpus Christi (I-37 South). The house is open 10:00am to 2:00pm Thursdays and the first Sunday of every month from 1:00pm to 3:00pm; there is a fee for admission. Call 361-882-8691 for further information.