Fort Inglish in Bonham, TX

Phillips, Gungans and Kirkwoods outside the stockade.

Headed into the pioneer house.

We actually toured with 70 homeschool
friends from PEACH.

The church/school room.

During the early years of the Republic of Texas Fannin County residents lived in constant danger of Indian attack, and Fort Inglish was a frequent refuge for settlers on the western edge of the Red River frontier. It was built in the summer of 1837 by Bailey Inglish in the form of a single blockhouse, sixteen feet square and topped by an overhanging story twenty-four feet square, probably surrounded by a log stockade. Although it was private, Fort Inglish played a role in several official campaigns against the Indians by the Army of the Republic of Texas.

Bonham, named after Alamo hero and messenger James Butler Bonham, was founded by pioneer Bailey Inglish in March of 1837. The settlement was first called Inglish’s Station or Fort Inglish after the blockhouse and stockade built for the protection of the early settlers. After the removal of the Indian threat to white settlement in Northeast Texas in the early 1840s, however, Fort Inglish fell into disrepair and was eventually dismantled. The stockade has since been rebuilt, surrounding the stockade are five restored 150-year-old log cabins that have been refurbished to represent a blacksmith shop, a frontier cabin, a schoolhouse and a general store. This replica was built in 1976, as a Fannin County Bicentennial project. A doctor’s buggy and military wagon have been restored and are on display in the stockade area.

Caleb removing corn from the husk

Abigail grinding corn

We got to see what life was like for the early settlers. Various pioneer activities were demonstrated including: lye soap making, broom making, candle making and various outdoor skills. Students may also participate in pioneer activities such as: shelling and grinding corn, frontier games, drawing water and washing clothes.

Abigail play the 300 year old piano

This is the point in the post where I offer witty comments about the kid’s activities, but alas in that "Mother of the Year Eludes me Once Again" category, I was goofing around with the kids before our tour and managed to lock my keys in the car. So while the kids took the tour I was outside waiting for the local sheriff to come by with a SlimJim and unlock my car! 

the LORD your God may bless you

in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19