The Baker-Carmichael House was built in 1905 for Granbury Merchant and Banker, Jess Baker. This…read morehouse was later home to Granbury Physician, Dr. Archibald Carmichael. The original owner and builder of the house, Jess Baker, in 1875, opened a hardware store in Granbury with his brother. Jess Baker also partnered with Sam Smith in Baker and Smith Hardware and Baker and Smith Implement Company; he was also a partner in Baker-Rylee Hardware. Jess Baker also served as Vice-President of First National Bank and served on the Bank's first Board of Directors. Jess Baker also served several terms in the Texas House of Representatives beginning in 1906. Dr. Archibald Carmichael, one of Granbury's most prominent physicians, bought the house in 1925. This is a particularly superb and well kept example of High Style Queen Ann/Neoclassical Architecture. The home was built at a cost of approximately $18,000 with the head carpenter receiving $1.50 a day, and his helper receiving $1.00 a day. The Baker-Carmichael was one of the first homes in Granbury to have electricity, indoor plumbing and telephone service. The Carmichael family did not make many changes to the house over the years, with the exception of adding bathrooms and a more modernized kitchen. The Baker-Carmichael House is now owned by David Southern and his wife, Claudia. Mr. Southern is currently the Mayor of the City of Granbury. The Baker-Carmichael House was designated a Granbury Historical Landmark by the City of Granbury Historic Commission June 1, 1999. This information was obtained from their website.

About 45 minutes south of Ft Worth is the historic and still smallish town of Granbury Texas…read more Growing up in Dallas I was familiar with the name and where it's located but,I never visited. I've been to many of the surrounding towns like Cleburn and Weatherford but, just never had occasion to go through Granbury. That all changed yesterday when I was in need of a day trip. You know, the kind that refreshes. The whole idea of driving an hour or two and exploring and discovering a place you haven't been always pushes my hot button. Granbury has been a popular day trip spot due to its Dallas Ft Worth proximity for sometime. It began " Gentrifying" long before it was trendy. Partially because of the lake that's there as a result of the Brazos river. Combine that with a small Texas town and you have a winner. I rolled into town about 10:30 am on a cloudy and chilly day. Parked the car and began walking around the square. In the center of the square,as with most Texas Towns,sits the Hood County Courthouse. Texas courthouses are located in the county seat. In this case Granbury. As a result,counties grew out of this design and a lot of significant history lies in the court houses of Texas. A bonus is,85% of them are archetectually beautiful. The Hood County Courthouse is less beautiful but still unique. I didn't have time to fully explore but, will return to do so. There is a lot of limestone readily available around this area and as a result,a significant number of the historic buildings were built from it. This has resulted in most of them surviving over 100 plus years and adding to the charming aesthetic of the town square. Nothing is vacant here. All the buildings in town are preserved , restored and occupied. I love to see that. Too many of our small towns are decaying due to lack of demand and neglect. If you live within an hour or two,you can't go wrong checking out the historic Granbury Square with all its shopping,restaurants and historical attractions. Go!

The Granbury Square is actually a truly neat area of Granbury, TX…read more It's no surprise that it lies near Lake Granbury - or rather, the Brazos River. The one negative I found was the majority of the road signage. Could be clearer. Put in more adequate places. Nearby is the Hilton Garden Inn where I stayed. If you're able to shell out even more money than that, I was highly intrigued with places like Hotel Lucy, Inn on Lake Granbury, Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast, and that place I really wanted to snooze in at... N on the Square. Without someone to accompany on this Thanksgiving road trip, I did not feel inclined to dig so deep into my pocketbook. The Square itself was decorated rather tastefully for Christmas when I was there 11/25-26/2023. Other points of interest that piqued my interest: + Granbury Opera House + ghost tours (there were at least two that I saw mentioned, but not sure if they were even open) + The Fillin' Station (a burger joint) + several other eateries including a taco shop, coffee bar, a wine bar, saloon, and a few shops and boutiques Public restrooms were available. Parking was free in all of the lots and side streets I drove past. Lastly, I would like to recommend the Ketzler's Schnitzel Haus and Biergarten for dinner. I have a review for that place in queue.

Built in 1875 for James Doyle, this High Style House with Queen Ann stylistic influence now serves…read moreas The Captain's Den Bed and Breakfast for visitors and tourists to Granbury. The home is one of the few remaining large homes built in Granbury before 1900 that has not burned and then been rebuilt, has not had the front façade totally restyled or been moved from its original site. 80% of the windows and the diamond shaped stained glass window are original to the home. The only structural changes made to the house have been the addition of a workshop, office, and parking areas. A few porches and balconies have been enclosed for the addition of bathrooms, but the overall outline of the home remains the same. All the materials used in the additions have been complimentary to the era of the structure, some of them even being recycled off the home. James Hogan Doyle was a decorated hero in the Civil War and moved to Granbury in 1870. James H. Doyle was Hood County's fourth treasurer and served as chairman on the Granbury School Board. He was also the original director of the First National Bank of Granbury. He co-owned the Baker-Doyle Building which is one of the oldest buildings on the Square. James Doyle was a charter member of the Granbury Masonic Lodge, founded in 1875, and was instrumental in getting the first bridge built across the Brazos River. The James H. Doyle House was designated a Granbury Historical Landmark by the City of Granbury Historic Commission November 2, 1999. This information was obtained from their website.

We came to Granbury from NYC for the first time this weekend to visit family and were completely…read morecharmed by this beautiful B&B. From the first moment we walked through the doors, you can tell the amount of care and attention to detail that was put into restoring this home and keeping the history alive in its walls. We woke up each morning at 9:00am (on the dot!) to a surprise tray of home baked goodies, fresh fruit and OJ. Coffee station set up in our room allowed us to take our time getting up in the morning and enjoy the slow, relaxed pace of Granbury. Couldn't be more thankful to Tina and her family for hosting us this weekend while we visited my parents. Highly recommend! Side note - The town and shops are absolutely enchanting! Think Stars Hollow for those Gilmore fans out there.

The Rylee-Aiken House is regarded as the oldest house standing in Granbury. The limestone structure…read morewas built on this site between 1856 and 1860 by Y.J. Rylee. The placement, preparation and construction of this home is highly significant in the broad pattern of national history in that most of the work on the property was completed with the aid of 12 African-American slaves who were owned by Rylee. Additionally, a group of traveling Norwegians who happened to be expert stonemasons assisted in the construction. "The rock house was built on high ground overlooking Rylee's land holdings. The house was built using a plan similar to that of the log cabins in the area. There are two large rooms with an open dogtrot between. At either end of the house is a large room, which has a fireplace with a stone chimney. The roof originally was made with hand-hewed shingles from nearby cedar trees, which were cleared from the land. Cedar and oak trusses can be seen on the inside of the house. After years of neglect, the floors had to be replaced and a new metal roof added, but the rock house still stands as a tribute to this early pioneer family and those who came after." The large trusses had to be hauled in with ox wagons from Fort Colbert, which is now known as Dallas. "The Aiken place was one of the first homes in West Texas to have running water. Many years ago it was found feasible to lift water from the springs to a tank near the house with the use of a hydraulic ram, and the water also was used for irrigation." When it was originally constructed, the house was located on the secluded banks of the Brazos River. The house is now situated in a highly developed area and the land where the house was originally built has since been subdivided into several commercial and residential properties. The old rock house is a very familiar sight to native Granburians. Sources cited: 1) Mary Saltarelli, Granbury Magazine. "Rylee Aiken House and Rylee Ferry Masters Cabin: A Pioneer Family Settles on Brazos Banks." Granbury, TX, May/June 1984. The Rylee-Aiken House was designated a local landmark June 16, 2008. This information was obtained from their website.

The Hannaford House was built 1881-2 by prominent drugstore merchant, E.A. Hannaford. This High…read moreStyle House is of Italianate stylistic influence. This house is a Granbury Landmark as well as being listed in the Register of Texas Historic Landmarks. This two story, L-plan home has a highly ornamental front porch with two pilasters and jig sawn brackets. Above the porch, on the balcony, there are turned wood balusters that match the balusters above the two round bay windows on the bottom floor. The sidewalks and curbs in front of the house are original and made of limestone.The original lawn, four times its present size, was surrounded by as picket fence, included a carriage house, barn, stable, rose garden, tennis court, and a greenhouse. Edwin Augustus Hannaford was a druggist and opened the first drugstore on the Granbury Square. The original drugstore was in a canvas tent until he built a two story stone structure on the west side of the Square. "Doc" Hannaford as he became known was also very involved in the Granbury education system. "Of the thirty schools in Hood County, Hannaford helped build twenty-nine of them. Many of the students knew him personally, because it was in his store that they purchased their school books"(Beth Calhoun). Mrs. Nettie (Brous) Hannaford was involved in community affairs as well, she was a charter member of the Women's Wednesday Club and the Eastern Star. Doctor Hannaford was also very involved in the establishment of several churches in Granbury. In his youth, Doc Hannaford fought on the Union side of the Civil War, but upon his death in 1915, "... the Confederate Veterans Camp requested to be honorary pallbearers at his funeral. For four years they had been on opposite sides of the war, but in peace they had worked together for forty-four years. He was now a fallen comrade and deserved honor as a true Texas citizen and a real pioneer Texan" (Vance Maloney, Granbury Newspaper, November, 1915). The Hannaford House was designated a Granbury Historical Landmark by the City of Granbury Historic Commission November 16, 1999. This information was obtained from their website.

Incredible stay! We…read moreloved our stay at the Sheriff's house! It was full of history and yet felt so cozy and welcoming! When we first arrived, I was concerned that there would be traffics noise at night. However, the traffic was non-existent from 11pm- 7am and so we had a quiets night rest. It was actually the best night of sleep I've had in a really long time because the bed and pillows were soooo comfortable. The house itself had so many cool features. Ask for the Tour! The hosts, James and Rhonda, did not miss any detail from the coffee to the toiletries to the linens. If you are looking for a place to stay in Granbury with unique history and modern amenities, This is the place! We will definitely be back and bring friends with us!

Recently had the pleasure of visiting the Sheriffs House. This place is amazing, the owners are…read moretruly wonderful people that have restored this home to a period correct condition. The history that accompanies the home along with the condition of the original decor is outstanding. We were able to spend a few nights, the beds were so comfortable. The furnishings are well above average. I would highly recommend a visit to this historic home. You will be amazed at what this home has to offer. Very comfortable along with a great location, about 2 minutes from the square. We will be visiting this home on a regular getaway basis. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

This High Style/Queen Ann influence house was built in 1890. It now serves as a Bed and Breakfast…read morefor visitors and tourists to Granbury. As well as being a Granbury Landmark it is also in the Register of Texas Historic Landmarks. This house is two stories with an attic and sits on a pier and beam foundation. Canadian merchant J. C. Lees built this home for his wife, Cora Allen Lees and their young daughter. Mr. Lees came to Granbury in the 1880's after meeting Cora in Arizona. Cora was from Granbury, but had gone to Arizona with her brother, Hiram. Shortly after J. C. and Cora came to Granbury, he purchased a furniture store/undertaking business from J. D. Foster. The business was on the Granbury Town Square and Mr. Lees became a prosperous Granbury merchant. They built the house and lived on the same block as Cora's sister, Loucinda Allen and her husband, W. D. Daniel. In 1895, Mr. Lees sold his business and home in Granbury, purchased another business in Cleburne and moved his family there. S. L. Bowden purchased the home for $4,000, and moved his wife and children there. Shortly after moving into the home, S. L. Bowden's wife and one son died. S.L. Bowden lived in the house with his daughter, Maude, until his death in 1903. After his death, Maude married Hardy Bryan and bought her sister and brothers out of their share of the house. Sadly, Maude died two short months later, three days after giving birth to a daughter who also died. Hardy Bryan lived alone in the house for five years, and in 1914 he married Fannie Gordon. Hardy Bryan lived a happy and prosperous life in the house until his death October 18, 1945, thirty-six years to the day after he and Maude purchased the house. The second Mrs. Bryan was the daughter of another merchant on the Square and her father was the employer of John Street Helen who claimed to be John Wilkes Booth. The gun he claimed to have assassinated President Lincoln with ended up in the second Mrs.Bryan's possession. Mrs. Bryan moved to Wichita Falls to live with her daughter in 1973 and sold the home. Mrs. Bryan lived in the Lees-Bryan House from 1914-1973; she was the longest resident of the home to date. Minimal changes have been made to the Lees-Bryan House: the back side porch was glassed in to provide an eating area for the family off of the kitchen, a sun room was added off of the dining room, and two bathrooms were added, one in the 1920's and one in 1945. The Lees-Bryan House has since been restored and is a testament to its and Granbury's former glory. The Lees-Bryan House was designated a Granbury Historical Landmark by the City of Granbury Historic Commission October 3, 2000. This information was obtained from their website.

This House was built in 1907 by R.B. Spencer Lumber Company. This is an excellent example of a High…read moreStyle House with Queen Ann stylistic influence. Jefferson David Brown began his career as a businessman in his Uncle's dry goods store and before too long, became a partner. J. D. Brown became sole proprietor of the business in 1881 and moved it to the Granbury Square. The first structure he built for the business was a two story building on the south side of the square; that structure is now the Granbury Opera House. The second building he erected to house his hardware store was on the west side of the Square and is now Brazos Moon Antiques. J. D. Brown also served as President and Director of the City National Bank in Granbury. The City National Bank was located on the northeast corner of the Square and is now a law office. Mr. Brown also served at least one term as Mayor of the City of Granbury. J. D. Brown and his wife, Georgia, had seven children and after his death in 1907, Georgia and the children lived in the home for many years. J. D. Brown contributed much to the Granbury area, not only architecturally, but with his pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit. The J. D. Brown House was designated a Granbury Historical Landmark by the City of Granbury Historic Commission June 1, 1999. This information was obtained from their website.

Granbury's Railroad Depot is shining example of early commerce in Hood County. The building remains…read morein relatively the same condition since its original construction in 1914. The depot has been the hub of the county's development and has seen substantial changes in Granbury's cultural and economic growth. The one-story, rectangular brick depot features wide eaves and a hipped roof. Interestingly, the roof still maintains much of its original Ludowici clay tiles. The Granbury Railroad Depot possesses significance in area history, architecture and culture. Built in 1914, it is a remaining symbol of rail transportation to and from Granbury, which triggered a great economic boom here in the 1880s. The Depot is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state and national history. The expansion of the railroad across the U.S. brought prosperity and new innovations to lands that had been without. Granbury was no exception. The arrival of the railroad had an "immediate impact" on the local economy and property values rose exponentially. The Depot had separate waiting room sections for white and black passengers, which demonstrates the plight of African Americans in the south after the Civil War. Granbury's founding town fathers together donated $25,000 to bring the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railroad to Granbury in 1887. These men included Ashley Crockett and E.A. Hannaford. Granbury citizens who used the train included farmers, ranchers and businessmen who used the depot to ship their goods. The Depot is similar to historic Texas railroad stations which also have the wide overhanging eaves and the separate waiting rooms for different ethnic groups. The Depot was built by employees of the Frisco Railroad using brick, stone and trademark Ludowici clay roof tiles which were from the original clay tile factory in New Lexington, Ohio, which burned in the 1950s. The Depot is no doubt, one of the most established and familiar visual features of Granbury. It stands as a monument of progress in this community from rustic pioneer settlements to rural Texas county seat. The Granbury Railroad Depot was designated a local landmark November 8, 2008. This information was obtained from their website.

The Old Granbury Hospital/Granbury Opera House Dormitory is located at 116 South Houston Street,…read moreand was built in 1946, originally as a hospital to serve the residents of Granbury. Afterwards, the property became the dormitory housing for traveling actors performing at the Granbury Opera House. The property is greater than fifty years old and has been included in Granbury's Historic Sites Inventory. The property has significant historical value having been built at the request of "Doc" Ballard, known as a progressive physician and also being associated with the historically significant Granbury Opera House. The Old Granbury Hospital/Opera House Dormitory was designated a local landmark April 13, 2006. This information was obtained from their website.