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Waco, Texas / History

Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens

The Earle-Harrison House is Waco's only restored antebellum home open to the public, featuring a grand Greek Revival-style mansion and the serene Pape Gardens, once the site of Chip and Joanna Gaines' wedding.

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What is the Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens known for?

It is a Greek Revival-style mansion and is described as Waco's only restored antebellum home open to the public.

Is the Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens a good venue for weddings?

Yes, it is considered one of Waco's oldest and most prestigious venues for weddings and special events. Notably, it was the site of Chip and Joanna Gaines' wedding.

What are the architectural features of the house?

The 5,000 square foot Greek Revival, side-entry home features nine cypress columns, fourteen-foot first-floor ceilings, walk-through windows onto verandas, and longleaf heart pine exterior sheathing.

How can I rent the Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens for an event?

You can request a detailed rental packet and check for open dates by emailing georgia.crowhurst@historicwaco.org. Rental tours are available by appointment only.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established in 1858, the Earle-Harrison House is a distinguished Greek Revival-style mansion that stands as one of the few fully restored antebellum buildings in Waco. The home was originally built for Dr. Baylis Wood Earle and his wife, Ann Eliza Harrison Earle, who moved to the Brazos Valley from Mississippi in 1857. Following Dr. Earle's death, Ann Eliza lived in the home until 1872, when she sold it to her brother, General Thomas Harrison. The family continued to reside there until 1891. The architecture of the 5,000 square foot structure is notable for its side-entry design, featuring nine cypress columns and longleaf heart pine exterior sheathing. Inside, the home boasts fourteen-foot first-floor ceilings and spacious rooms with walk-through windows that open onto verandas. After being relocated and restored in 1967, the house officially opened to the public in 1970, the same year it received a plaque from the Texas Historical Commission. Today, the property is owned and operated by the GH Pape family and professionally managed by Historic Waco. In addition to its historical significance, the site is one of Waco's most prestigious venues for weddings and special events, famously hosting the wedding of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Visitor tips

  • Rental tours are scheduled by appointment only.

Nearby context

Located at 1900 N 5th St, the Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens serve as a historic anchor in the neighborhood, preserving the antebellum heritage of the Brazos Valley within the modern city of Waco.

Sources

Evidence and links