Nestled in the heart of Deep East Texas lies the historic Halfway Inn, a two-story log house that dates back to the 1840s. Located on the El Camino Real, the Halfway Inn was built by Samuel Flournoy around 1839 for his family, who moved to Texas from Mississippi.

This house served as the post office for a while and later became a stagecoach route between Nacogdoches and San Augustine. Horses would drink from the wells outside as travelers moved across Texas. Around 1917, H.R. Granberry purchased the house, and his family kept the house until around 1981. In 1984, the house was moved, but was returned within one-quarter mile of its original location in 1988.

“We love to share our old building off. We’ll show it to anybody who wants to come see it,” said Kaye Monzingo, a volunteer at the Halfway Inn. “We are open for visitors. They can contact us, contact the city, and we’ll be glad to meet them here and give tours.”

As a historic site, the Halfway Inn offers visitors a unique glimpse into Texas’ past. Today, the house is a museum that showcases what life was like in times gone past, with many historical pieces to enjoy. Visitors can tour the house, which is constructed of square notch logs, two rooms wide and one room deep with a dogtrot, or central hall.

In 2012, a historic Baptist church building was moved onto the property. The church itself is from 1890 and used to be topped with a cast iron bell, which now can be rung in the yard.

“One year we contact a woman named Margaret Wright and she brought her dulcimer group over and acoustical instruments had guitars and dulcimer, and they played and they play old mountain music,” said Monzingo. “Several of us wanted to learn, so we started a she started teaching group, taught several of us to play, and we’ve been playing together on Fridays ever since.”

On Fridays from 9am-Noon, a group came together to learn instruments, such as the guitar and dulcimer, and continue to meet every week. The group is open to the public to stop in and learn as well. For other events, the Covid19 pandemic did put a stop but there are plans to bring back events once more to the grounds.

The Halfway Inn is a fascinating historic site that tells the story of the Flournoy family and the Chireno community during the 19th century. Whether you’re a history buff or just passing through, the Halfway Inn is a must-see destination in East Texas.

Stay Connected

Stay up to date on all things The East Texas Weekend!

Like us on Facebook | Instagram | Contact us | Download our App (Apple, Google)

Copyright 2023 KLTV. All rights reserved.