Wofford House Provides A Step Back in Time
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
By Shaydi Clary/ETABS Board Member
Nestled in Athens, the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society is a stunning natural haven that offers more than just scenic hiking trails, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful place to unwind. It is also home to a remarkable piece of Texas history that visitors can not only view but walk through.
The Wofford House, a gorgeous Southern-style plantation home, is the perfect place to experience a historical treasure. Originally built in the 1850s near Fincastle, Texas, the Wofford House was constructed by Bushrod W.J. Wofford, a successful local merchant. The house began as a traditional two-room dogtrot structure, featuring pine log walls, handmade brick fireplaces, and massive 55-foot-long ridge beams hewn from single pine trees. As Wofford's family grew, additional rooms and fireplaces were added, creating a cross-breezeway design.
Fincastle was once a bustling community southeast of Athens but declined after the railroad bypassed it, leaving only the cemetery as its lasting landmark. Over time, the Wofford House fell into disrepair until Wofford's descendants generously donated it to the East Texas Arboretum in 2001. It was carefully relocated and restored with the assistance of Charles Schultz.
“My husband Charles moved the home there and helped put it back together,” Connie Schultz shared. “It was completely covered in grapevines and bushes before it was cleared around it. What a transformation it has been through!”
Today, the Wofford House stands proudly as a museum showcasing pioneer life. Crafted from local pine and oak, this two-room log house with its classic dogtrot design captures the heart of early Texas homesteading. Surrounded by heritage gardens filled with plants and trees typical of the 1800s, the site also features a kitchen garden where vegetables and herbs commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes are grown. Behind the house, visitors will find an 1800s-era corn crib barn and antique farm equipment, adding to the authentic pioneer experience.
“Our Wofford Home is a gorgeous gem nestled right here at the East Texas Arboretum,” Executive Director Kristin Willingham expressed. “We are incredibly thankful to the individualsn and volunteers who provided the building, assisted in its relocation, and continue to support its maintenance and growth. It’s not only an incredible opportunity for visitors to walk through a piece of history — those who fall in love with the building can also celebrate important events here. We love watching wedding parties light up with excitement as they celebrate their special day on our historic site.”
The East Texas Arboretum welcomes all to visit the Wofford House during their next trip. Daily admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children (ages three to 15 years old), seniors, and veterans. Kids two years old and younger are free! The Arboretum is located at 1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX, 75751 and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
