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The Griffith Homeplace in Terrell, Texas, was the longtime home of Dr. L.E. Griffith, who purchased it for his family in 1882. The home was built between between 1853 and 1873, prior to the town’s incorporation, and was lived in by several different families — including the Jas. Browns and C.M. Johnsons — before being bought by Dr. Griffith.
Unchanged since its construction, the plantation-style raised cottage is typical of early Texas architecture and is one of North Texas’ oldest residences — and the first home in Kaufman County to have an interior bathroom with running water.
Established as a museum by Dr. Griffith’s great-great-grandson, the late Davis Griffith-Cox, the home is no longer open to the public for tours.
However, you can now enjoy a 3D virtual tour from anywhere in the world!
Scroll down for the virtual tour, and learn more about the home, its architecture, and the historical significance of the Griffith family ancestors.
The Griffith Homeplace in Terrell, Texas, was the longtime home of Dr. L.E. Griffith, who purchased it for his family in 1882. The home was built between between 1853 and 1873, prior to the town’s incorporation, and was lived in by several different families — including the Jas. Browns and C.M. Johnsons — before being bought by Dr. Griffith.
Unchanged since its construction, the plantation-style raised cottage is typical of early Texas architecture and is one of North Texas’ oldest residences — and the first home in Kaufman County to have an interior bathroom with running water.
Unusual features of the Griffith Homeplace, according to the inscription of the Historical Marker on the property’s front gate, include:
Dr. L.E. Griffith (1813-1897) first arrived in Texas on April 30, 1836, nine days after the Battle of San Jacinto. His first patient in Texas was Sam Houston Dr. Griffith is credited with saving Sam Houston’s leg, which was seriously wound in that battle.
Ordered by the government in 1836 to render medical aid to the citizens of San Antonio in the aftermath of the Alamo, Dr. Griffith returned as U.S. Surgeon in charge of a military field hospital there, where he took an active role in the war.
Dr. Griffith was not only Sam Houston’s physician he is said to have become a “warm personal friend of Sam Houston,” and was similarly closely associated with Thomas Rusk, Henderson, Blunt Ogeltree, Three-Legged Willie, and other prominent early citizens of Texas, according to the Historical Marker.
Dr. Griffith also was a friend and classmate of David S. Kaufman, and he met Daniel Webster and Lafayette in his youth.
Dr. Griffith’s wife, Sarah Jane Clark, was the daughter of William Clark Jr., a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
The Griffith Homeplace remained in the same family for six generations and is reportedly the oldest home continuously used as a residence within Kaufman County. Griffith Avenue, named in honor of the family, adjoined this original tract.
View the Historical Marker and complete text at the Historical Marker Database page for the Griffith Homeplace.