Befitting a prominent Southeast Texas family of the early 20th century, the stately McFaddin-Ward House is an architectural marvel in the Beaux-Arts Colonial style. Built in 1905-06, the McFaddin-Ward House, located in Beaumont, was home to W.P.H. and Ida Caldwell McFaddin and their children for seventy-five years before becoming a museum in 1986.

When W. P. H. and Ida moved their young family, two sons – Perry Jr. and Caldwell – and one daughter – Mamie – into their house in 1907, Beaumont was still enjoying the economic effects of the discovery of oil at nearby Spindletop in 1901. Having already accumulated considerable wealth from the cattle business, rice farming and milling, commercial real estate, and fur trapping, the family prospered even more after Spindletop, since W.P.H. owned part interest in the land and minerals where the Lucas Gusher blew in.

The McFaddin home was one of several grand residences built in town by local architect Henry Conrad Mauer during the early twentieth century. Mauer, trained at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, incorporated local materials with the most advanced electrical, heating, and plumbing systems of the time. The home was initially built for Colonel W. C. Averill and his wife Di, the sister of W. P. H. McFaddin, but after living in the house for several months, the Averills decided to trade houses with the McFaddins, who lived nearby. In early January 1907, the McFaddins moved in.

The house served as a beautiful backdrop for the frequent entertainments and elegant parties the McFaddins hosted. In 1919, the McFaddins' daughter Mamie married Carroll Ward, and the couple moved into the home with her parents. They lived their entire lives there, making few changes to the house or its décor after 1950. Throughout much of Mamie's adult life, she kept a diary documenting social events, consumer habits, and daily routines, with mentions of noteworthy family events and happenings around Beaumont, in the region, and the world.

The family kept excellent records, holding on to photographs, invoices, receipts, and other financial documents. Because of their foresight, museum staff can paint a picture of what life was like for a wealthy Southeast Texas family.

The 12,800 square foot historic home has been restored to the period of 1906-1950 when the McFaddins and Wards lived in the home. With its four massive Ionic columns and colonnade-lined porch, the house graces a full city block. Two massive, 120-year-old live oak trees shade the porte-cochere while anchoring the 40,000 square feet of spacious lawns, flower beds and rose gardens. Behind the home is the restored 1907 two-story carriage house, complete with staff quarters, a gymnasium and hayloft, and horse stalls.

The majority of furnishings on display are original to the home. Visitors can glimpse a large concentration of Robert Mitchell furniture, Dresden porcelain and sterling silver pieces, rare oriental rugs, and family heirlooms. In 1971, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places and named a Texas State Historic Landmark in 1976.

Today, visitors to the house receive free docent-led tours of three furnished floors in the home. Trained guides combine family stories and local history with information about the house and its furnishings to tell the story of the McFaddin family and the era from the early 1900s through 1950.

In addition, the museum offers tours of the Carriage House and gardens, as well as year-round events and programming. Through education and community outreach, the museum reaches a wide range of audiences. From school tours and internship opportunities to educational lectures and activities, the McFaddin-Ward House Museum offers something for everyone.

Tours are available for ages 8 years or older; however, all ages are welcome on a self-guided tour of the Carriage House. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome.

Learn more at mcfaddin-ward.org.