The Woodworth House

[RTHL medallion and plate on house] (Rose Hill) J.H. Baxter of the Griffing Lumber Company built this residence in 1906 for R.H. Woodworth (d. 1923). Wide verandas extend beyond the impressive columned portico of the Classical Revival structure. Woodworth, a business and civic leader, and his wife Mary (d. 1946) hosted numerous social gatherings here in the early 20th century. Since 1947, the house has been in the care of the Department Club of Port Arthur. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978 [27" x 42" marker 100 feet SW of the house at the sidewalk] (Rose Hill) In 1896 Arthur E. Stilwell, president of the Kansas City Southern Railroad, organized a townsite company to settle Port Arthur. Soon afterward, R.H. Woodworth (d. 1923) moved here from Chicago with his bride Mary (d. 1946). They erected their first home on Nashville Avenue. An independent real estate dealer, Woodworth later entered the banking business. He served as Port Arthur's third mayor in 1902. He hired J. H. Baxter of the Griffing Lumber Company to construct this Classical Revival mansion in 1906. This property was then located on the edge of town. When it was completed, the residence reflected Woodworth's position as a business and social leader. Here the Woodworths raised their children, George and Phebe, and often entertained friends. Mrs. Woodworth served as a director of the First National Bank and was active in the Department Club of Port Arthur. In accordance with her wishes, her daughter Phebe gave Rose Hill to the city in 1947 to be cared for by the Department Club. The elegant structure is maintained as a meeting place for various community groups and as a center for social and cultural events. (1978)

The Woodworth House is a historical marker in Port Arthur, Jefferson County, dedicated in 1978. It is one of 109 historical markers documented in Jefferson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 137 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.8899, -93.9152 near Port Arthur. The nearest cataloged historic site is Sabine-Neches Canal (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Site of Old Aurora, Morris-Booz-White House, and Sparks Settlement Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5245010583. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.