We have nine homes, business and outbuildings which were
brought together from all around Gonzales County. In addition, our Pioneer Opry
Stage, Saloon, blacksmith and wheelwright shops contain authentic equipment and
complete the story of an early Texas small town. The structures are furnished and
as you visit each one we hope it feels as if the owner just stepped out for a moment.
12 - Gates Ranch House
1856
Samuel Hardin Gates built this home on land given for his service in the Runaway
Scrape during the Texas Revolution. The home is built from whole elm and oak logs, covered with
cypress siding, and has glass windows which were brought by wagon from the coast. Little girls
slept in the loft upstairs, while the sons of the family shared the back room with work space for
making and repairing guns and rifles.