A Brief History

The original home was deeded to Emily Sophia Forbes in January of 1838 for $150. The type of dwelling, unfortunately, was not included in the records from the originial Mexican owner, Maria Josepha Pares. Tradition suggests that it was a plain, one-and-a-half story affair with pine clap-board siding and no eaves.

In 1840, Emily Sophia Forbes transferred the property to her daughter Sarah Mansfield Forbes. Sarah then transferred the property to her husband, Haden Harrison Edwards, in 1843. The house exchanged hands several times and in 1891 experienced a grand transformation from its owner, Minnie Edwards. During this time, an architectural revolution occurred in Nacogdoches. The credit for the revolution belongs almost exclusively to one man, Dietrich Wilhelm Anton Rulfs. He created the west wing and 2nd story of the house. Many of the Victorian aspects, such as the wrap around porch and doctor’s windows were added at this time.

 

Haden Edwards Inn Today

Jeannette and Josh Black purchased Haden Edwards Inn in January 2005 and did extensive renovations on it, including gutting bathrooms, refinishing floors, tearing out interior walls and extensive painting. You will find many unique

features in the Inn including the extensive collection of important historical and contemporary art from the United States and Mexico, including works by artists such as William Keith and Francisco Benitez. The entire house including the parlor, formal dining room and guest rooms, is filled with original works from the collection. For more information on the artists in the collection, visit Cline Fine Art. To meet your needs for special occasions, this sophisticated setting can be made available for small private parties, showers and meetings.

The rehabilitation of the gardens surrounding the Inn is underway. Landscape architecture and gardening are passions of Jeannette and Josh, both of whom have degrees in horticulture. Using the existing gardens as a starting point, they have created a lush retreat just outside the front door. Explore the many varieties of plants and flowers, or simply enjoy the sunset from the gazebo.

Haden Edwards Inn is powered by Green Mountain Energy, a utility service provider that supplies electricity from less-polluting sources like wind, water, solar, biomass, geothermal, and natural gas. Your innkeepers Jeannette and Josh are concerned with leaving a better world for future generations. Vist Green Mountain Energy's website.