Sanborn House: One of the Oldest Homes in Amarillo

Amarillo, like most of the Texas panhandle, has a very interesting history. One piece of that history is a moving house. There's a house in Amarillo that has ties to the city's origins, and has been moved to its current home.

It has the distinction of deserving a historical marker, if that says anything.

Here's the interesting story behind the Sanborn House in Amarillo, TX.

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Sarah Clark

Barbed Wire And The Founding Of Amarillo, TX

I've never thought much about barbed wire. On more than one occasion I've had to navigate my way around it to get to a fishing hole, or help a friend fix a portion that's been damaged for one of a million reasons.

Never, though, have I ever thought that it could lead to the founding of an entire city...in a roundabout way.

You have to go back to the late 1800s. It was the era of ranches and railroads in the Texas panhandle. Those two things come together around a guy named H.B. Sanborn. When the rail came through, he set up a townsite on a ranch he owned. Long story told incredibly short, it was a very young Amarillo getting started on the plains.

Barbed wire comes into play because Sanborn made a handsome amount of money selling barbed wire. It was invented by his father-in-law, and Sanborn was his go-to salesman.

Sanborn bought up a lot of land with the proceeds from his job as barbed wire salesman, and you know the rest.

Sarah Clark/TSM

The Sanborn House, Historic Enough to Be Relocated Entirely

The Sanborn House was built in 1902. It was built in the Italianate style which pulls its influence from the Renaissance era. The style is also inspired by Tuscan farmhouses.

It was built, and remained at it's location, until 1923. What could it have possibly moved to make way for?

If you've been to a concert or hockey game, you've been in the area that the Sanborn House once called home. It once stood in the area where the Civic Center is now. It was carefully relocated to its present address to avoid being torn down.

The Sanborn House can be seen at 1311 S. South Madison Street.

Downtown Amarillo Over The Years

Downtown Amarillo has seen an incredible metamorphosis. Take a look at the photos below to see just how much it's changed--you won't believe the difference.

Untouched by Time: The Historic Homes of Polk Street Then & Now

You know you've entered Amarillo's historic district once you hit the red brick roads of Center City. A unique reflection of past and present, Amarillo's historic homes seem to pose pristinely against the curb.

These large, thoughtfully designed historic homes are part of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Amarillo. But most residents will agree that nothing quite tops the staggering royal beauty of the grand homes of Polk Street. Built by Amarillo's founding fathers, the looming estates of South Polk are a sight to behold.

Check out these stunning comparison photos that show how these gorgeous structures have remained nearly untouched by time.

Look at How Amarillo's Old Route 66 Motels Looked Then & Now

The heyday of the Mother Road may be long gone, but would you believe that there's still plenty of the old motels where many a weary American family rested their heads during their interstate travels?

You won't believe some of these are still standing, much less still alive and (wait for it..) kickin'!