Preserving History: Grapevine Relocates Multiple Century-Old Homes

Grapevine is taking major steps this summer to preserve its rich past, relocating two historic homes in just three weeks. 

Both the 1888 Tate House and the 1908 Winfrey House were carefully transported to new locations where they will be restored and repurposed as part of the city’s broader preservation efforts.

The Tate House: A Legacy Linked to Grapevine’s First Family

On July 8, the 1888 Historic Tate House was moved from 122 West Peach Street to the Cotton Belt Railroad District. This home carries deep historical ties, not only to the early settlement of Grapevine but also to the city’s current leadership.

James Arthur Tate, who built the house with his wife Dolah Haire Tate, was the uncle of longtime Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate, now in his 49th year in office. James Arthur Tate was a carpenter by trade, born in Tennessee and brought to Grapevine by covered wagon as a child. His family helped shape the town's early development

The Tate House originally stood near Oak Grove Park, where Scott’s Landing is today. When Lake Grapevine was built in 1951, it was relocated to West Peach Street, where it remained until this week.

The latest move, funded by proceeds from Grapevine’s signature events like Main Street Fest and GrapeFest, brings the Tate House to a new home beside the Bragg House and Millican Blacksmith Shop in the Historic Cotton Belt Railroad District. There, it will serve as a living exhibit, sharing the story of one of Grapevine’s founding families with generations to come.

The Winfrey House: Honoring Grapevine’s Civic Legacy

Just a few weeks earlier, on June 24, the city moved another historic gem, the Charles Edwin and Georgia Winfrey House, from Shady Brook Drive to its permanent home at the Settlement to City Museums in Ted R. Ware Plaza.

Originally constructed in 1908 on East Franklin Street, the Winfrey House was relocated once before. Over two decades ago, the city moved it to Shady Brook Drive to protect it from demolition. Now, in a continued effort to preserve Grapevine’s history, the house was carefully transported once again.

Charles Edwin Winfrey, a longtime Tarrant County employee, and his wife Georgia were prominent figures in Grapevine. Georgia’s roots connect to several of the city’s founding families — the Starrs, Lucases and Willhoites — who were instrumental in establishing local businesses and civic organizations.

Now part of the Settlement to City Museums, the Winfrey House will sit among other 19th-century structures, including the Donald Schoolhouse and Keeling House Museum. Its restored front porch will host children’s activities, performances and educational programming, bringing new life to a home rich with local heritage.

A Citywide Commitment to Preservation

Backed by the Grapevine Heritage Foundation and funds from city festivals, the relocations are part of a broader effort to protect local landmarks. By moving the Tate and Winfrey houses, the city is making space for history to stay visible and accessible, even as Grapevine continues to grow.

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