Log Culture

The first settler in Farmers Branch was Thomas Keenan who came to the area in 1842. During the 1840s, numerous other settlers arrived and homesteaded 640-acre land grants. The Texan Land and Immigration company advertised in Europe for settlers to come to Texas. For a while, Farmers Branch was recognized throughout Europe as the most well-known settlement  in Texas. The log structures at the Historical Park represent a pioneer homestead of the 1840s, including a log house and one barn that were originally located near Pilot Point, Texas.  A replica of the 1840's Peters Colony Land Grand Office was added to the Log Culture Area in 2002.

Gilbert House

In 1854, Dr. Samuel H. Gilbert brought his wife, Julia, to Farmers Branch.  The couple lived with Isaac Webb, also an early settler in the area, until this home was completed in 1856 amidst a grove of stately post oak trees.  The house consists of two-foot-thick limestone walls, chestnut plank floor, and native Texas furniture.  It is architecturally referred to as a dogtrot style home, recognized by a large open hallway through the middle of the house.  In 1988, the Gilbert House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks. 

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