Historic Jefferson's 63rd Annual Pilgrimage and Historic Home Tours

April 30 - May 2

PLEASE NOTE- TICKETS ARE GOOD FOR APRIL 30, MAY 1ST AND MAY 2ND.

HOWEVER, ADMISSION IS GRANTED ONLY ONCE PER HOUSE.

Founded in the 1840s and named for Thomas Jefferson, the town of Jefferson established itself as one of the largest river ports in Texas.  As the primary entry point for settlers, immigrants and supplies, the city quickly earned the nickname “Queen of the Bayou”. Today, Jefferson is also known as “The Bed & Breakfast Capitol of East Texas” and boasts nearly 70 entries on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Our annual Pilgrimage and Tour of Historic Homes is an ideal opportunity for history buffs and historical home enthusiasts to view these treasured houses as one might have when they were first built. Characters in period costumes and beautifully restored interiors welcome each visitor as they take part in our 63rd Annual Pilgrimage.

The Keasler-Blair Haus: Because Jefferson was a significant river port and trading center in the early to mid 1800s, the town attracted a diversity of cultures and ethnic groups. Included in these groups were immigrants from Germany who settled and prospered in Jefferson as merchants and craftsmen, bringing with them their unique heritage, customs, and style.  Recently reconstructed by it present owners, the Keasler-Blair Haus takes one back to an early German home. Featuring painted walls, ceilings and stenciling, the home is a showcase for traditional crafts such as pewter, textiles, hand-crafted furniture, hooked rugs and period furnishings.

The House of the Seasons: Built in 1872 during the Steamboat Era of Jefferson by Colonel Benjamin H. Epperson. He was a prominent lawyer, political leader, entrepreneur and confidante of Sam Houston. The house is a fine example of the transition period between Greek Revival and Victorian styles of architecture. It is currently owned by the Collins Family Foundation.

The Manse: The original two-room home was built in 1839 and is registered as the oldest house in Jefferson. In the 1850s, three rooms were added forming a U-shaped structure. The most recent modification to the north section of the home completes the current configuration. This one-story raised cottage is one of the most notable examples of the Greek Revival style in East Texas. Its features include an elegantly carved sunburst over the entrance, 14 foot ceilings with rich crown moldings, original heart-of-pine floors, crystal chandeliers and furnishings from the 1800s. Capt. Laura Omer purchased the home in 1994 making it her home in 2007 with her retirement from the Navy after 30 years of service.

The Stanford-Farmer House: Built in the 1930s by A. O. Stanford, a well know Jefferson barber, this home is an example of Tudor style architecture with Cat Slide roof. The barber chair with hobby horse mounted on the front from Mr. Stanford’s barber shop now resides in the Jefferson Historical Museum. When Mildred Parris owned the home, it was know as the Inn of Two Sisters Bed and Breakfast. The current owner, Glinda Farmer, has filled the home with furnishings from the 1880s to the 1940s.

*Our tours take place over the entire weekend and your ticket is valid for one visit to each home on any day you choose. 

*Our Spring Festival is part of the Pilgrimage event and includes a must-see Civil War Battle Re-enactment. 

*As the B&B capital of East Texas, our rooms fill up quickly for this very special event, so you will want to make your reservations early.