Last updated: January 18, 2024
Place
Gaines-Oliphant House
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
350 Ensign Dr., Hemphill, TX 75948
Significance:
One of the earliest Pre-Republic, Anglo-American structures in Texas, and the only surviving structure of the James Gaines plantation and ferry-tavern operation on the Sabine River crossing of El Camino Real de los Texas.
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
The Gaines-Oliphant House is one of the earliest Anglo-American structures in Texas. Once part of the early settlement of Gaines Ferry, the Gaines-Oliphant house is the only surviving structure of James Gaines large plantation and ferry-tavern enterprise on the Sabine River crossing of El Camino Real. Built around 1818, the story and a half log home with dog trot is built from local pine and red clay bricks. The house appears to have been constructed for the parents of his young wife, so they could live nearby.
James Gaines was one of the first Anglo settlers in Texas arriving in the area in 1812. He built a large plantation and continually participated in the creation of the new Texas Republic. In Gaines purchased the ferry operation in 1819. He operated an inn, mercantile, and frontier post office near the Sabine River crossing.
Alfred Oliphant and his wife Martha applied for a landgrant in Sabine County and moved their family here in 1840. James sold the house and 81 acres to Martha Oliphant in 1843.
Today the house is located in the Pendleton Harbor Subdivision. The houses that surround the Gaines-Oliphant are private. Visitors can park in a gravel pull off and view the house from a short distance. A chain link fence surrounds the property.
Site Information
Location (350 Ensign Dr., Hemphill, TX 75948 Located in Pendleton Harbor Subdivision, on Highway 21 near Pendleton Bridge, Sabine County;along the Texas-Louisiana border. )