Looking for the La Bahia at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson, Grimes County, Texas

Summary

The La Bahia was believed to have passed in front of the Inn. Investigations never located the illusive trace. Plans to expand the parking lot created an opportunity to look on the northeast side; the backdoor to the Inn and dining room. Background research revealed that the Fanthorp’s residence was at the front of the Inn. If travelers departed the stagecoach at the front door they would have traipsed through the Fanthorps living space to get to the dining area. While many guests stayed at the Inn, others ate their fare and reboarded. These dynamics, and other clues suggested that the La Bahia may have been behind the inn. Geophysical investigations found two anomalies. One was natural, but the other was not. A mechanical trench and excavation units exposed what appears to be a well-used road that led to the backdoor of the Inn. The La Bahia perhaps?

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions) 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 162