FANTHORP INN

Fanthorp Inn has reopened after completed Renovations! See below for opening hours.  

Nestled amid the rolling hills of Grimes County in Anderson, Texas, about 20 miles northeast of Washington on the Brazos, Fanthorp Inn stands as a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn.

The 18-room inn had humble beginnings in 1834 as the simple dogtrot log cabin home of English immigrant Henry Fanthorp and his bride Rachel Kennard.

By 1835 Fanthorp had become postmaster for the area. Over time, the Fanthorp home evolved into a well-known country inn with a clapboard exterior and an expansive addition in 1850.

Notable guests include Henderson K Yoakum, Kenneth Anderson, Dr. Anson Jones, and Sam Houston.

Fanthorp Inn functioned as a country hotel and tavern until shortly after Henry and Rachel died of yellow fever in 1867, at which time it was converted back into a family home for their daughter Mary and her family.

Purchased by Texas Parks and Wildlife in 1977, the Inn underwent extensive archeological, architectural and historical investigations. Restored to its 1850s glory, Fanthorp Inn once again reigns supreme, opening its doors to the public for guided tours, school programs, adult group tours, and special events.

Photo Gallery

Public Hours

The Inn is open to the general public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. School tours with reservations may begin as early as 9:30 a.m. Wednesday through Friday.

The Inn is located at 579 S. Main St., Anderson, TX 77830

Admission Fees

No tour fees. Donations appreciated for tours.

Tour Information

Tours available Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Adult Group and School Program Tours available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays by Appointment

For adult group or school tours please contact Jordan Anderson at (936) 878-2214 x224.

Events at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site

First Person, First Fridays at Fanthorp Inn – 06/06/2025
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for the first Friday of June for a special tour of the inn given by a historical figure who actually worked or stayed… Learn More>>

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“Coppers, Tigers & Pharos” Gambling at Fanthorp Inn – 06/14/2025 - 06/15/2025
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Place your bets! Will you let it ride on the high card or copper your king? Better consult the coffin driver to find out. Stop… Learn More>>

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First Person, First Fridays at Fanthorp Inn – 07/05/2025
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for the first Friday of July (moved to Saturday because of Independence Day) for a special tour of the inn given by a… Learn More>>

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Kenneth Anderson Gravesite Ceremony at Fanthorp Inn – 07/09/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am

This year marks the 180th anniversary of the passing of Kenneth Lewis Anderson, the last Vice-President of Texas and our town's namesake. In honor of… Learn More>>

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“Amnesty for All Offenses” The 160th Anniversary of Fanthorp’s Pardon – 07/12/2025 - 07/13/2025
10:00 pm - 4:00 pm

We are commemorating the 160th anniversary of the end of the Civil War at the Fanthorp Inn. We'll offer a special tour focused on Henry… Learn More>>

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First Person, First Fridays at Fanthorp Inn – 08/01/2025
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Join us for the first Friday of August for a special tour of the inn given by a historical figure who actually worked or stayed… Learn More>>

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“In Vito Veritas” Mustang Grape Wine at Fanthorp Inn – 08/09/2025 - 08/10/2025
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

In August of 1849 local physician and Texas declaration signer, Dr. C.B. Stewart, wrote of a French immigrant who made the sweetest port wine from… Learn More>>

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