OTHER AWARDS: Registered Texas Historic Landmark; National Register of Historic Places

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: Built c. 1856, the Gilbert House, is the oldest rock structure in Northeast Texas that is still on its original foundation. Architecturally, it is referred to as a dogtrot style home, but it has a hip-style roof. The house has 2' thick limestone walls, mortar of natural sand and lime mixture, and chestnut plank floors. In 1854, Dr. Samuel H. Gilbert brought his wife, Julia (Ritchie) Gilbert, to Farmers Branch, and built this home in a grove of post oak trees. Gilbert did not receive clear title to the land until 1868 because of its being part of the Peter's Colony with its land disputes. The Gilberts lived there until their deaths in 1881 and 1890.

HISTORY OF STRUCTURE: The home remained in the Gilbert family until 1937 when Roy and Wyona McKee purchased the home and plastered the interior walls, added built-in bookcases, and a wing to the west side of the house. In 1952, the house was purchased by Wallace and Lillian Skinner who lived in it for three years, before purchased by Hugh E. Wilson III and his wife who owned the house from 1955 to 1981.

RESTORATION: The property was acquired by the city of Farmers Branch in 1981, and the Farmers Branch Historical Preservation and Restoration Board then began restoration with architect Keith Downing and J.P.J. Architects. The house was returned to its original condition by removing plaster, concrete floors, and Dutch doors. A wheelchair ramp was added, but otherwise, the house and furnishings reflect the Civil War period of the Gilbert family.