Well-preserved homes and Texas’ first churches blend comfortably into the tree-lined landscape of San Augustine.

Here many State or National Historic Sites, portray a variety of architectural styles from Greek Revival to Victorian.

At right is the house of Col. Stephen Blount, built in 1838.

The Ezekiel Cullen House, erected in 1839, was a Greek Revival House designed by Augustus Phelps. This style helped to stimulate an appreciation for beauty and the arts that Texas had not previously encountered.

1839 saw two other Greek Revival Houses constructed: the Matthew Cartwright House and the Stephen W. Blount House. The energy and ingenuity that went into these buildings at this period of architectural development in Texas was indeed a significant accomplishment.

After the timber was rough sawn at the Ayish Bayou mill, all planks and trim were then hand planed. It is thought that Phelps had sophisticated hand tools for the day, and that his two associates who came with him to Texas were skilled in the building craft. Phelps was captivated by the five-point Texas star, and incorporated it over doorways and downspouts as his trademark.

from the book "San Augustine: A Texas Treasure" by Betty and John Oglesbee

The First United Methodist Church of San Augustine, Texas laid the cornerstone of its first building on January 7, 1838. At the turn of the century, the congregation moved across the street to the current location, built in 1909.

The new land was donated by Columbus Cartwright in 1897 with the stipulation that a hitching post for horses be installed and standing room for buggies be made available. To this day there is still a hitching post outside of the sanctuary.

The architectural style of the building was ahead of its time, and used cast masonry stones for the outer walls. The imposing two-story stone structure features beautiful French stained-glass windows and chimes that play twice each day. The entire building was built by a shipbuilder, so the floor of the worship area slopes like the bottom of a ship, causing all focus to end up at the altar area. Indeed, this is a unique and beautiful addition to the history here in San Augustine.

from the book "San Augustine: A Texas Treasure" by Betty and John Oglesbee

Christ Church Episcopal of San Augustine was organized in 1848 primarily under the leadership and efforts of Frances Cox Henderson, wife of Texas' first governor, James Pickney Henderson.

The church is a beautiful white frame structure with an impressive Gothic bell tower and cross-topped steeple. It is one of the more photographed churches in Texas and a favorite of artists. Inside the sanctuary are the original rails, hand-hewn pews, and pulpit furniture carved by the Reverend George Crocket.

from the book "San Augustine: A Texas Treasure" by Betty and John Oglesbee

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