Varner–Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, Greek Revival plantation in West Columbia, Texas.
The Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site is a Greek Revival mansion standing on 66 acres of land crossed by Varner Creek. The property includes the restored main house and several agricultural buildings that show how a Texas plantation operated.
Martin Varner founded the plantation in 1824 using land grants from Stephen F. Austin, growing it from a log cabin into a substantial estate. More than a century later, former Governor James Hogg bought the property in 1902 to develop oil production there.
The mansion's rooms are arranged to represent different periods of Texas history, showing how people lived and worked across generations. This layout helps visitors understand the social and agricultural life that shaped the region over time.
The property is easy to explore on foot and most buildings are open to visitors, with guided tours available. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and set aside plenty of time to see both the mansion and the outbuildings.
The property started as a purely agricultural operation but was transformed by the discovery of oil underneath. This shift from farming to industry makes the site an unusual record of how Texas economy changed dramatically.
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